THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


The  Caliph's  Secret 

and 

Other  Verses 


Bv 

M.  A.  B.  Evans 

Author  of  "The  Moonlight  Sonata,"  "In  Various 
Hoods,"  "  Nvmphs,  Nixies,  and  Naiads,"  etc. 


G.  P.  PUTNRM'S  SONS 

New  York  and  London 

£be  fmicfcerbocfcer  press 

1916 


COPYRIGHT,  1916 

BY 
M.  A.  B.  EVANS 


Ube  ftnicfterbocftet  presa,  Hew  Bort 


TS 


S)eO(cateO  to 

NANCY  EVANS  NORTON 

AND 

CAROLINE  HARPER  NORTON 


904131 


CONTENTS 

PACK 

THE  CALIPH'S  SECRET i 

MOORISH  MEMORIES 3 

THE  ROSE  OF  ALGIERS  .'*     .      /.        .        .        .        4 

THE  SONG  OF  DAVID      .        .  '    ' ,  :      .        .        .        .        5 

IN  SILENT  PLACES         .        .        .        .        .        .        .        9 

THE  INCENSE  BURNER  .        .        »        .        .    *    .        .      n 
AFTER  THE  DURBAR      .        .        . ',     ..  :.    .        .        .      13 

THE  CAR  OF  JUGGERNAUT      .        '.        '$,       .        .        .      14 
THE  UNKNOWN  GOD      .         .        ....        .       16 

THE  MOSQUE  OF  OMAR          .        .        .        .•.      .        .      17 

THE  PYRAMIDS      ...        .        .        ;        .        .      18 

To  AN  EGYPTIAN  OBELISK      .        .        .        .        .        .19 

THE  SHADOOF       .      •  .         .       . .         .         .         .         .      20 

FATIMA        .         .      ,,....        .        .      21 

THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  SPHINX          .        «    /  ..        .        .      22 

THE  SULTAN  AND  THE  POET   .         .        ...        .        .      23 

AN  EASTERN  SCRIBE      .         .' 24 

A  BEDOUIN  LOVE  SONG 25 

DESERT  SANDS      .         .       '.         ,         .         .         .         .26 
THE  LAST  CHARGE  OF  THE  MAMELUKES  .         .         .         .31 

MIRAGE 33 

THE  TEMPLE  BELLS 34 

ALMOST 35 

v 


vi  Contents 

PAGE 

THE  PRAYER  RUG 36 

HEARD  IN  A  STREET  OF  CAIRO 37 

THE  CAMEL  DRIVER 38 

IN  AN  EASTERN  BAZAAR 39 

THE  BLIND  BEGGAR      . 4° 

ALADDIN'S  CAVE  .                 .        .        •  /               •         •  41 

REINCARNATION    .        .        l':'i 42 

A  SANDAL  WOOD  FAN      . 43 

AT  POMPEII          .        . 44 

HYPATIA 45 

ALGIERS .•*•••  47 

GIBRALTAR  . 48 

UNITED  ITALY       .        .   „    .         .         .         <        •         -49 
THE  GONDOLA'S  CHARM         .         ....         .         -5° 

IRIS     .         .         .         .                 Si 

THE  JOY  OF  GIVING      .......  53 

TRUTH         .         .         . 54 

QUEEN  MAB  LOQUITUR          .         .         .        .         .         .  56 

PAGEANT  OF  THE  SEASONS      .        .       '.        .        .        .58 

THE  PIPER  .        .                 .        .        .        .        -        -  60 

THE  WINDS'  QUESTION 61 

UNSAID        .        .        .        ...        .        .        .62 

THE  IMPRISONED  BIRD 63 

RAYS ,"        .         .         .  64 

CUPID  AND  PSYCHE 65 

A  PARADOX 66 

A  WORD  OF  WELCOME  TO  GRADUATING  CLASS           .         .  67 


Contents  vii 

PAGE 

THE  FIR  TREE 7° 

i 
THE  CONQUERING  SEA 71 

Ex  Tu,  BRUTE! 73 

ALONE 74 

PENUMBRA — LENT 75 

THE  CRIPPLE 76 

THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEARTS 77 

THE  UNIVERSAL  MELODY 79 

THE  GREAT  MAGICIAN  ...        .         .        .      80 

PEACE 82 

ACROSS  THE  BORDER      .         .'        «        t  ,      .        .         .      83 
A  CHRISTMAS  SPINNING  SONG         .....      84 

FREE ,        ..'-      .         .      85 

A  VALENTINE  VIEW       .        .......         .      86 

THE  LAST  SNOW   .         .       '.        ,        .        .        .        .      87 

SINCERITY    .         .         .       ' .  .      .'        .        .         .         .88 

PLAY  THE  GAME   .         .         .        •        •        •         •         -89 

THE  RAINBOW  OF  PROMISE    .         .        *        .         .         -9° 
LIGHT          .         .         .         ...        .         .         .      91 

UNSTABLE  AS  WATER     .         .  .        .        .         -97 

KIENUKA— THE  PEACE  ROCK 98 

IN  THE  FOREST  OF  ARDEN 100 

DISCOVERIES 102 

WATER  LILIES 103 

THE  MAGIC  ART  .        . 104 

THE  WINGS  o'  THE  WIND 105 

MOONBEAMS  .         .     106 


viii  Contents 

PAGE 

ARIADNE  AT  NAXOS 107 

ASTARTE 108 

THROUGH  FOREST  AISLES 109 

THE  JOSTLING  CROWD in 

As  SHIPS  THAT  PASS  IN  THE  NIGHT 113 

A  WOODLAND  PATH       .    .    . 114 

THE  LAUREL  WREATH  .        .        .        .        .        .        .115 

BALLADES,  RONDEAUX,  ETC. 
THE  SOUL  OF  THE  EAST  ...        .        .         .     119 

A  BALLADE  OF  SUNSET  .        .        ...        .        .121 

THE  VANISHING  RACE 123 

THE  PRIZE  ........        .125 

BALLADE  OF  MR.  PICKWICK 127 

BALLADE  OF  RAIN         . 129 

THE  TURNING  POINT     .        .        .        .   '.    .        .        .131 

THE  MAGIC  FLUTE 133 

THE  Music  OF  THE  HEART'S  REFRAIN     .         .         .         .135 

FOLK  SONGS         ....        .        .        .        .        .137 

AN  AMULET          .        .        .        .        .        .        .        .     139 

THE  SHIP  OF  STARS       .        .        .        .        .        .        .140 

YOUTH         .        .        .        .        .  .        .        .141 

BECAUSE  OF  You          .        .         . '«     .         .         .         .     142 

'NEATH  Music's  SPELL        >.        ,        .        .        .        .143 

THE  SILVER  LEAF 144 

To  HIM  WHO  KNOWS 145 

"VIVEL'EMPEREUR" 146 

WHEN  DIDO  DIED I 


Contents  ix 

PAGE 

ENTHUSIASM 148 

THE  COURT  ADJOURNS 149 

RONDO  CAPRICCIOSO 150 

FOR  LOVE  OF  JOY 151 

MIDSUMMER  FAIRIES 152 

THISTLE-DOWN     .         .        .        ...        .        .153 

CHRISTMAS  CANDLES     ....        .        .        .     154 

THE  KITE    .         .         .        .        .        .        .        .        .     155 

IN  PRIMROSE  PATHS      .        .        .        *  '      .         .        .     156 
IMPOSSIBILITIES    .         .        .        .        ,'       .        .  157 

OBSTACLES  .        .        .        .        .        .        .        .        .158 

THE  LOVE  OF  YOUTH     .        .        .  .        .         .     159 

CAREFREE.         .         .        .        .        .        .        .         .     160 

ACROSS  THE  SEA  OF  DREAMS  .         .  .         .         .161 

PERSEVERANCE     ...        .        .        .        .        .        .162 

FRIENDS       .         .        .        .        .        .        .         .        .163 

THE  MOST  BEAUTIFUL  ADVENTURE  OF  LIFE     .         .        .164 
EASTER        .         .         .        ...        .        .        .     165 

FRIENDSHIP          .         .        .        ....        .        .     166 

THE  CORONATION  OF  MARIE  DE  MEDICIS         .        .        .167 

GALILEO  BEFORE  HIS  JUDGES 169 

CALLED  BACK I71 

FATE +       ....     172 

A  MALAY  LOVE  SONG    .        ;.        «        ....     173 
IN  THE  SOUTH  SEA  ISLES 175 


THE  CALIPH'S  SECRET. 

HAROUN-AL-RASCHID  often  walked 
,     Disguised,  through  haunts  of  men, 
And  gained  fresh  knowledge,  as  he  talked 
With  each  poor  citizen. 

Full  many  winding  ways  obscure 

Haroun-al-Raschid  saw, 
And  with  a  justice  swift  and  sure 

Upheld  and  kept  the  law. 

Amidst  the  splendors  of  his  court 

He  dazzled  all  mankind; 
And  yet  he  welcomed  at  his  port 

The  poor,  the  maimed,  the  blind. 

Though  courtiers  frowned,  in  high  disdain, 

His  answer,  firm  and  low, 
Brought  ever  mercy  in  its  train: 

"I  and  my  people  know." 

Haroun  a  secret  stronghold  had, 

A  tower  of  massive  stone, 
Where  none  might  enter,  good  or  bad, 

Save  just  himself  alone. 

i 


The  Caliph's  Secret 

His  courtiers  whispered:  "Lady  fair 

Must  dwell  within  the  place. 
The  Caliph  hides  with  extra  care 

This  wondrous  beauty's  face. 

"Or  else  he  dabbles  in  black  arts, 

In  alchemy,  perchance, 
Or  crystal-gazing, — open  hearts 

Revealed  at  ev'ry  glance." 

The  Caliph  smiled,  and  held  his  peace, 

And  kept  his  counsel  close, 
But  never  did  his  visits  cease, 

For  all  their  jestings  gross. 

None  knew  the  secret  till  his  death ; 

When  lo!  they  entered  in, 
And  gazing  round,  with  bated  breath, 

They  nothing  found  therein. 

This  was  the  secret  of  his  powers, — 

Not  pride  of  wit  or  pelf, 
But  strength  brought  by  those  silent  hours 

Withdrawn  within  himself. 


MOORISH  MEMORIES. 

TYPE  of  a  vanquished  race, 
Proofs  of  a  mighty  reign, 
Marble  wrought  into  lace, 
Fair  Moorish  castles  in  Spain ! 

Memories  throng  around 

Every  arch  and  stone, 
Making  a  haunted  ground, 

Where  the  Moors  reign  alone. 

Long  ere  with  trouble  and  care 
Ferdinand  banished  them  all, 

Flourished  their  palaces  fair, 
Fountain,  and  garden,  and  hall. 

Fragrant  with  memories  sweet ; 

Bearing  a  message  of  life 
Different, — dreamy, — replete 

Both  with  romance,  and  with  strife. 

Strange  metamorphosis 

Our  busy  world  to  us  seems, 

While  we  look  backward  to  this 
Civilization  of  dreams. 


THE  ROSE  OF  ALGIERS. 

FROM  a  latticed  window  there  fell  a  rose, 
Far  down  to  the  street  below, 
While  softly  above  did  the  window  close, 
With  its  curtain  swaying  slow. 

No  glimpse  of  the  hidden  beauty  sweet 

Had  the  wandering  passer-by, 
But  only  the  flower,  lying  at  his  feet, 

And  the  minaret  frowning  high. 

Like  the  Fates,  with  their  fortunes  for  good  or  ill, 
Was  that  stony  and  menacing  tower ; 

But  the  lesson  of  Life  was  the  sweet  good-will 
To  be  drawn  from  the  heart  of  the  flower. 


THE  SONG  OF  DAVID. 

KING  DAVID  sat  upon  his  throne, 
And  called  a  slave,  and  bade  him  bring 
The  golden  harp  the  King  alone 

Might  use,  whene'er  he  wished  to  sing. 

With  frowning  brow,  he  struck  its  chords; 

They  clashed  and  clanged, — all  music  fled, — 
Just  like  the  blows  of  hostile  swords 

Upon  a  battlefield  of  dead. 

He  dashed  the  harp  upon  the  floor, 
And  tried  another,  smaller  one, — 

In  vain  attempted,  o'er  and  o'er, — 
His  words,  his  music,  all  were  gone. 

"Is  this  a  spell?"  the  monarch  cried: 
"I  will  sing!"  and  again:  "I  will!" 

He  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  tried 
To  improvise,  with  former  skill. 

His  fawning  courtiers,  bowing  low, 

Cried :  ' '  Hail ,  great  Master !     Mighty  Lord ! 

King  David's  power  none  else  can  show. 
His  music  ages  shall  record!" 
5 


The  CalipH's  Secret 

Wroth  was  the  King,  for  in  his  heart 
He  knew  he  babbled;  lacking  sense 

His  words, — his  music  void  of  art, 
Without  one  thrill  of  eloquence. 

Still  angry,  to  his  chamber  went 
The  King,  and  cast  himself  adown 

Upon  his  knees,  with  firm  intent 
To  learn  why  all  his  skill  had  flown. 

"O  great  Jehovah,  is  it  not 
Enough,  that  I  have  bravely  done 

To  wipe  away  the  heinous  blot 

Upon  my  life,  my  reign,  my  throne? 

"Have  I  not  wed  Bathsheba  now? 

Restored  the  land?  done  all  I  could 
To  right  the  wrong?  and  kept  my  vow 

In  deep  repentance,  as  I  should? 

"Have  I  not  prayed  and  fasted,  wept 
In  anguish,  on  the  sodden  ground? 

By  dreams  been  haunted,  as  I  slept? 
In  battle  forced,  with  foes  around?" 

He  waited,  and  a  still,  small  voice 
Within  his  heart,  in  whisper  low, 

Said:  "If  indeed  once  more  the  choice 
Were  thine,  0  King,  what  wouldst  thou  do? 

"Thou  hast  thy  kingdom  back  again; 

Thy  good  deeds  all  are  counted  well, — 
Thou  hast  once  more  the  praise  of  men; 

Thy  glories  all  the  world  may  tell." 


The  Song  of  David 

"tAll  but  the  gift  of  song,  O  Lord, 
The  mighty  talent  once  was  mine, 

Now  gone, — all  gone, — a  broken  chord, 
That  wondrous  gift,  supreme,  divine." 

In  agony,  before  his  eyes, 

There  came  a  vision,  like  a  play, 

Again  he  saw  the  form  arise 

Of  fair  Bathsheba,  Queen  to-day. 

Again  the  choice,  for  good  or  ill, 

Was  given  to  the  King  once  more, — 

Alas !     Repentance  volatile ! 

Events  transpired  just  as  before. 

Then  David  smote  upon  his  breast. 

" I  am  not  worthy !     This  my  due! 
Forgiveness  comes  but  to  the  blest, 

And  my  repentance  is  not  true. 

"But  O  Jehovah,  with  Thy  strength 
Endue  my  soul,  for  I  am  weak. 

Before  Thy  throne  I  fall,  at  length, 
A  humble  sinner,  poor  and  meek." 

Again  the  vision  came.  The  sight 

Aroused  the  monarch  from  his  prayer ,- 

The  garden,  in  the  evening  light, — 
Beloved  Bathsheba,  young  and  fair. 

"Away!    Away!    Ah  no!    Ah  no! 

The  story  shall  not  thus  be  told. 
Indeed,  I  will  not  live  it  so; 

Not  for  mine  armies'  weight  in  gold!" 


8  The  Caliph's  Secret 

A  sudden  light  shone  o'er  the  place, — 
And  into  David's  heart  it  stole, 

Illumining  the  monarch's  face, 
While  peace  returned  within  his  soul. 

Filled  with  a  strange,  new  strength,  he  rose, 
As  from  a  hateful  nightmare  long. 

Right  modestly  a  harp  he  chose, 
And  took,  once  more,  his  gift  of  song. 

"Out  of  the  depths  I  called  to  Thee, 
O  Lord,  and  Thou  hast  heard  my  cry, 

And  showed  Thy  mercy  unto  me, 
Appointed  in  my  sins  to  die. 

"Let  Israel  rejoice  in  Him 

Whose  power  and  might  the  angels  praise, 
Whose  glory  never  shall  grow  dim, — 

With  harp  and  cymbals  anthems  raise. 

"Praise  ye  the  Lord!    Let  heaven  and  earth, 
Fire,  wind,  and  snow  fulfill  His  word. 

Kings,  maidens,  men, — all  that  have  birth, 
Praise  ye  the  Lord!    Praise  ye  the  Lord!" 


IN  SILENT  PLACES. 

OH,  come  away;  within  a  desert  place 
To  rest  awhile,  apart  from  toil  and  strife, 
And  meditate  in  silence,  for  a  space, 
Upon  the  deeper,  better  things  of  life. 

The  world  is  full  of  folly,  and  of  sin, 

Borne  down  by  pride,  ambition,  fear,  and  care, 
While,  like  the  flying  winds,  we  whirl  therein, 

With  scarcely  time  for  e'en  a  silent  prayer. 

So  mad  the  whirl,  so  fast  the  rush  of  time, 
So  strong  the  competition  in  the  course, 

So  eager  are  we,  all  the  heights  to  climb, 
We  need  our  utmost  energy  and  force. 

And  Pleasure,  ever  ready  for  our  call, 
With  whispers  of  an  earthly  paradise, 

Stands  close  beside  the  elbows  of  us  all, 
And  bids  us  listen  to  her  gay  advice. 

We  hearken,  more  or  less,  each  one  of  us. 

Each  one,  within  the  orbit  of  his  world, 
Is  sometimes  selfish,  vain,  and  frivolous, 

In  Pleasure's  magic  mazes  caught  and  whirled. 
9 


io  THe  CalipH's  Secret 

And  yet,  amidst  the  rush  and  swirl,  we  know 
We  need  some  hours  for  calm  repose  and  rest, 

Or  else  our  keen  ambitions  are  laid  low, — 
Pursuit  of  happiness  would  lose  its  zest. 

Just  so,  the  soul  must  have  its  hours  of  calm, 
To  gather  to  itself  the  strength  of  thought, 

While  silence  pours  around  its  healing  balm, 
And,  from  the  Infinite,  new  power  is  brought. 

We  learn  to  know  the  higher  happiness, 
The  wider,  finer  range  of  earthly  hope. 

We  find  our  little  joys  weigh  far,  far  less, 
When  viewed  within  more  comprehensive  scope. 

Self  slips  away, — the  world  assumes  new  guise, 
While  thoughts  of  others  have  a  greater  claim. 

We  learn  our  own  defects  to  analyze, 
And  change,  perhaps,  the  weight  of  praise  or  blame. 

Thus  shall  the  silent  places  bring  repose, 
And  knowledge  of  a  broad  and  heart-felt  creed, 

To  make  the  desert  blossom  as  the  rose 
With  flowers  of  kindly  thought,  and  word,  and  deed. 


THE  INCENSE  BURNER. 

BEFORE  the  incense  burner  sat  a  Hindu  priest. 
His  thoughts,  alas!  were  sadly  wandering;  at 

least, 
He  feared  so,  as  he  sat  and  blinked  and  nodded 

there, 

With  none  his  nightly  vigil  or  his  thoughts  to  share. 
He  knew  not  how  the  dragging  hours  were  passing 

by, 

Or  if  the  morning's  sun  and  heat  were  drawing  nigh. 
Perchance  he  slept  a  little,  as  the  incense  rose, 
At  least,  he  certainly  fell  into  just  a  doze. 
When  suddenly,  'mid  consternation  and  surprise, 
The  incense  flamed,  a  mighty  cloud,  before  his  eyes, 
O'ershadowing  the  glowing  image  of  the  god; 
For  Buddha  silent  sat,  without  a  beck  or  nod, 
But  smiling  still,  though  gradually  lost  to  view, 
Beyond  the  dense,  white  cloud,  shot  here  and  there 

with  blue. 

That  smile  of  mystery!     It  surely  was  not  lost! 
It  brooded  e'er  the  fate  of  man,  whate'er  the  cost! 
Ah,  no!  the  cloud  was  parted,  but  not  Buddha  seen. 
It  was  a  figure  strange,  of  quite  another  mien, — 
And  smiling  down,  with  kindly  eyes,  of  wondrous 

power, 
The  God-Man  came,  a  vision  rapt,  to  claim  His 

hour. 

ii 


12  TKe  CalipH's  Secret 

With  hands  outspread  He  stood,  as  blessing  all  man- 
kind, 
The  poor,  the  maimed,  the  old,  the  young,  the  halt,  the 

blind. 

Those  hands  so  ready  with  all  helpful,  kindly  deeds, 
To  minister  to  every  man,  whate'er  his  needs! 
And  going  through  the  whole  wide  world,  from  place  to 

place, 

To  give  to  all  the  living  gospel  of  His  grace, — 
The  brotherhood  of  man,  the  glowing  precept  true, 
"Do  unto  others  as  you  would  that  they  should  do. " 
Forever  working  for  the  hearts  and  souls  of  men, 
And  if  they  stumbling,  fell,  to  raise  them  up  again. 
Not  idly  sitting,  waiting,  like  great  Buddha  there, 
And  doing  naught  to  lift  the  world  from  fear  and 

care, 

So  wrapped  in  contemplation,  not  in  acts,  of  good, 
That  only  by  the  wise  men  is  he  understood. 
In  glorious  contrast  shone  the  Figure  in  the  cloud, 
As  leaning  forward,  low  the  Kingly  Head  was  bowed. 

But  hark!  a  crowing  cock  proclaimed  the  dawn  of 

day, 
And,  with  a  breath  of  wind,  the  cloud  was  blown 

away. 

Upon  his  pedestal  still  Buddha  sat  and  smiled, 
And,  with  his  majesty,  the  waiting  world  beguiled. 
The  priest,  aroused,  was  shocked,  for  when  he  looked 

about, 
Behold!  the  fires  of  incense,  burned,  had  quite  gone 

out! 


AFTER  THE  DURBAR. 

nnHE  pomp  of  glory  and  the  pride  of  power, 

1      The  wealth  of  honors  lavished  on  the  King, 
The  vast  processions,  marching  hour  by  hour, — 
How  much  of  true  allegiance  do  they  bring? 

The  stately  ceremonies,  day  by  day, 

The  gorgeous  Indian  princes,  bowing  low, 

Their  homage  and  their  fealty  to  pay, — 
How  far,  in  trouble,  would  their  ardor  go? 

The  blazing  jewels  and  the  cloth  of  gold, 

The  Oriental  trappings  rich  and  rare, 
The  splendid  carriages, — how  many  hold 

Brave  hearts  that  stormy  times  would  truly  share? 

The  elephants  and  camels,  with  their  train 
Of  dusky  squadrons, — would  these  loyal  be? 

And  side  by  side  with  English  troops  retain 
The  empire  for  their  monarch  o'er  the  sea? 

The  King  looks  on,  and  tries,  as  man  to  man, 
Through  all  the  pageantry,  the  heat,  the  dust, 

To  read  each  foreign  face  as  best  he  can. 
The  Orient  is  deep;  he  can  but  trust. 

Time  passes ;  and  from  England  comes  the  call 
For  faithful  hearts  to  fight  for  her  again. 

Right  loyally  they  answer,  one  and  all; 

None  truer  than  her  brave  East  Indian  men! 
13 


THE  CAR  OF  JUGGERNAUT. 

"  IV /IAKE  way  for  the  Lord  of  the  World!"  they 
IVl     cried: 

"Make  way!  as  you  must  and  ought!" 
And  the  great  car  swayed  from  side  to  side, 
As  it  rolled  along  in  its  golden  pride, 
While  the  people  prayed,  and  wept,  and  died, — 

The  car  of  Juggernaut. 

The  people  prayed  to  their  heathen  gods, 

And  their  aid  and  strength  besought. 
They  cast  themselves  on  the  sun-baked  clods, 
They  watched  the  idols  for  signs  or  nods, 
They  threw  themselves  under  (for  what  were  the 
odds?) 

The  car  of  Juggernaut. 

A  slender  and  beautiful  Hindu  girl 

On  the  wheel  of  the  car  was  caught, 
Pressed  close  by  the  crowd  in  its  maddened  whirl, 
And  sick  with  the  sunlight's  dizzying  swirl, 
Pushed  almost  beneath,  with  a  careless  hurl, 

The  car  of  Juggernaut. 

Some  British  soldiers  stood  watching  by, 

And  one  of  them,  quick  as  thought, 
Just  seized  the  girl  in  time  to  defy 


The  Car  of  Juggernaut  15 

The  heavy  wheels  that  were  drawing  nigh, 
And  were  bringing,  with  many  a  creak  and  cry, 
The  car  of  Juggernaut. 

The  Sun  looked  down,  in  old  Puri, 

On  the  work  that  he  had  wrought, 
And  he  smiled,  in  his  hateful,  torrid  glee, 
On  the  sick  and  suffering,  bond  and  free; 
But  for  two  young  hearts  he  did  not  decree 

The  car  of  Juggernaut. 

For  the  girl  was  fair,  and  of  gentle  birth, 

And  love  is  quickly  taught ; 
And  who  shall  deny  that  upon  this  earth 
Is  sometimes  brought  a  little  mirth 
By  that  which  commonly  causes  a  dearth, 

The  car  of  Juggernaut. 

By  the  time  the  later  rains  began, 

With  health  and  comfort  fraught, 
Far,  far  away  were  the  maid  and  man, 
For  they  joined  an  English  caravan, 
And  entirely  forgot,  in  their  marriage  plan, 

The  car  of  Juggernaut. 

But  the  gods  were  avenged.    Though  an  English 
wife, 

Fair  Supi  forever  brought, 
To  the  feelings  with  which  her  heart  was  rife 
A  grateful  belief  in  her  gods  of  strife, 
And  worshiped,  e'en  to  the  end  of  her  life, 

The  car  of  Juggernaut. 


THE  UNKNOWN  GOD. 

T^HROUGH  countless  ages  has  the  boundless  might 
1      Of  Him,  omnipotent,  ruled  o'er  the  world, 
Decreed  the  Universe,  the  day,  the  night, — 
His  forceful  will  through  outer  Chaos  hurled. 

Through  centuries  of  prayer,  mankind  have  sought 
To  placate,  worship,  understand  their  God; 

By  fire  and  blood  to  serve  Him  as  they  ought, 
Or  meekly  bow  their  heads  beneath  His  rod. 

Through  love,  a  higher  standard  we  can  raise ; 

Saint  Paul's  most  glowing  words  preached  Him  alone. 
We  know  His  attributes,  His  laws,  His  ways, 

But  what  He  is  continues  still — unknown. 


16 


THE  MOSQUE  OF  OMAR. 

THREE  creeds  therein  have  found  a  place, 
And  each  one  claiming  special  grace ; 
While  over  all,  the  shining  Sun 
For  centuries  his  race  has  run. 

His  light  and  warmth  are  freely  thrown 
O'er  all  mankind, — and  thus  is  shown 
The  basis  of  whatever  creed, 
For  others'  good,  in  others'  need. 

With  self-forgetfulness,  in  prayer, 
Stand  kindly  deeds  that  others  share. 
For  all  who  search  with  wishful  eyes 
May  find  the  Rock  of  Sacrifice. 


THE  PYRAMIDS. 

BUILT  of  the  same  unyielding  stone, 
On  which  were  writ  and  downward  hurled 
Those  Ten  Commandments,  which  alone 
Stand  firm  within  a  changing  world. 

Thus  do  these  monuments  sublime 
Stand  fast,  while  ages  o'er  them  roll, — 

Immovable,  defying  time, 
A  lasting  symbol  of  the  soul. 

To  all  a  record,  and  a  sign 

Of  truth  unchanged,  without,  within. 
For  law  is  law.     E'en  Love  Divine 

Forgives  the  sinner,  not  the  sin. 


18 


TO  AN  EGYPTIAN  OBELISK. 

THOU  bearest  on  thy  face  a  story 
That  tells  of  Egypt  in  her  glory, — 
And  still  upon  thy  summit  hoary, 
Shines  down  the  sun. 

Thy  gods,  in  effigies  undying, 
Here  carved  in  stone,  all  time  defying, 
Have  left  their  mark,  though  testifying 
Their  race  is  run. 

Yet  still  thy  silent  ringer  showing 
The  same  blue  sky  above  us  glowing, 
Points  out  the  Light  of  Life,  o'erflowing 
All  creeds  as  one. 


THE  SHADOOF. 

WHEN  stony-hearted  Pharaoh  ruled  the  land, 
And  kept  the  Israelites  at  his  command, 
Their  labor  for  him  counted, — as,  in  proof, 
We  watch  men  working  still  at  the  shadoof. 

No  doubt  the  greatest  kingdoms  oft  are  laid 
By  lordly  will,  where  toil  is  lowest  paid, 
Where  time  is  nothing,  and  where  human  life 
Counts  only  as  a  means  for  work,  or  strife. 

For  centuries  awaiting  better  days, 
The  old  shadoof  continues  still  to  raise 
The  river-water,  as,  with  creaking  sound, 
It  serves  to  make  the  wheels  of  life  go  round. 


FATIMA. 

BEDIZENED,  painted,  in  the  Eastern  style, 
With  gracious  manners,  and  a  winning  smile, 
This  dancing-girl  is  of  the  same  design 
As  that  girl  long  ago,  in  Palestine, 
To  whom  were  said  the  words:  "Go,  sin  no  more.". 
These  ring  throughout  the  ages,  o'er  and  o'er, 
Yet  if  no  echo  sounds  in  heart  or  will, 
The  Magdalen  is — unrepentant  still. 


THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  SPHINX. 

THE  Sphinx,  a  human  dial  of  the  sun, 
Carved  out  in  stone,  throws  o'er  the  desert 

sand 

A  fateful  shadow,  while  the  hours  still  run, 
As  when  Egyptian  monarchs  ruled  the  land. 

And  year  by  year,  within  the  Sphinx's  spell, 
Men  feel  the  shadow  thrown  across  their  way, 

Yet,  from  the  mystic  smile,  they  would  compel 
An  answer  to  their  questions,  when  they  pray. 

Alas!  those  age-long  questions,  always  there! 

For  good  or  ill,  despair,  or  joy  sublime, 
Man  bears  away  the  same  old  hope  and  care, — 

Himself  a  shadow,  'neath  the  spell  of  time. 


THE  SULTAN  AND  THE  POET. 


verses  are  not  good,  "  the  Sultan  said. 
"Your  themes  are  trite,  —  the  spirit  of  them 
dead." 

"Forgive!"  replied  the  Poet,  at  his  ease. 
"But  let  me  try  once  more,  if  I  can  please.  " 

He  sang  the  Sultan's  glory  and  renown, 

The  conquests  he  had  made,  town  after  town. 

His  sweeping  armies  marked,  in  battles'  train, 
Successive  kingdoms  new,  where  he  might  reign. 

He  sang  of  palaces  the  Sultan  raised,  — 

Of  temples,  built  that  Allah  might  be  praised. 

And  wondrous  fountains  splashed  upon  the  air, 
Like  jewels  falling  into  basins  rare. 

He  sang  of  brilliant  pageants,  cloth  of  gold, 
With  long  processions  of  retainers  old. 

In  glowing  rhyme,  he  told  it  o'er  and  o'er,  — 
None  like  the  Sultan  ever  lived  before. 

"Most  marvelous!"  cried  out  the  monarch  then. 
"You  are  the  Prince  of  Poets,  —  King  of  men!" 

The  Poet  smiled,  yet  reckoned  up  the  cost; 
For  flattery  will  win,  though  thoughts  are  lost. 
23 


AN  EASTERN  SCRIBE. 

A  WAITING  custom,  sure  that  it  will  come, 
/A     He  sits  at  ease,  a  smile  upon  his  face, 
And  guards,  for  use  of  all  afar  from  home, 
His  pens,  within  their  heavy,  brass-bound  case. 

The  merchant,  soldier,  lover,  sailor  bold, 

Each  one  in  turn  he  serves,  with  willing  skill. 

And  many  secrets  in  his  ears  are  told, 
And  written  down  with  rapid  flowing  quill. 

What  plots,  and  schemes,  and  plans  he  could  divulge ! 

What  joys  and  sorrows,  laughter,  hopes  and  fears, 
And  pleasures,  in  which  he  could  ne'er  indulge, 

Are  daily  poured  within  his  listening  ears! 

He  lives  the  deeds  and  lives  of  other  men, 
Contented  in  his  own  small  world  apart; 

Yet  praised  be  Allah !  mighty  is  the  pen, 
Which  gives  such  knowledge  of  the  human  heart! 


A  BEDOUIN  LOVE  SONG. 

WHILE  the  Southern  Cross  is  gleaming 
O'er  the  shifting  desert-sands, 
While  the  night  is  softly  dreaming, 

And  the  heart  of  Earth  expands, 
Come  to  me,  my  Lotus-flower; 

Let  us  all  the  world  forget. 
Come  within  my  magic  bower; 

Come,  without  one  vain  regret, — 
For  all  Nature's  mighty  chorus 

Sounds  from  far,  around,  above; 
All  the  world,  spread  out  before  us, 

Calls  thy  heart  to  mine,  dear  love! 


DESERT   SANDS. 

THE  winds  of  the  desert  have  told  a  strange  story, 
With  lifting,  and  drifting,  and  shifting  of  sand 
That  sparkles  like  jewels,  in  sunlighted  glory, 
Extinguished  when  darkness  falls  over  the  land. 

The  thoughts  of  the  desert,  the  life  of  a  nation, 
Traditions  as  old  as  the  Sphinx  or  the  Nile 

Are  wrought  in  the  sands,  from  their  very  creation; 
Though  shifting, — unchanging  in  nature,  the  while. 

Lo!  on  the  horizon,  like  shadows  slow  moving, 
A  vast  train  of  camels  appearing  in  view, 

With  travelers,  fond  of  adventurous  roving, 
And  eager  the  paths  of  the  sands  to  pursue. 

The  voice  of  the  desert  had  called  them  to  follow; 

So,  leaving  all  civilization  behind, 
They  hearkened  to  promises,  brilliant  but  hollow, 

That  whispered  a  wonderful  secret  to  find. 

The  heart  of  great  Nature,  they  thought,  lay  before 

them, 

Fast  beating  in  earth-throbs,  above  and  below. 
The  gods  of  the  East  felt  this  wish  to  adore  them, 
And  smiled,  through  a  sunset  of  marvelous  glow. 
26 


Desert  Sands  27 

The  camp  in  the  night,  with  the  stars  ever  watching, 
Was  peaceful,  as  when  all  the  world  is  asleep. 

The  guards,  in  the  firelight  a  brief  repose  catching, 
Were  suddenly  startled,  by  murmurings  deep. 

Quick  rushed  on  their  sight  some  Arabian  horses, 
Well  manned  by  fierce  Moslems,  who  swiftly  got 
down, 

Demanding  a  ransom  from  all,  in  their  courses, 
Who  dared  to  approach  near  their  own  hidden  town. 

Surprised  and  o'erpowered,  the  guards  did  their  duty, 
And  tried  all  they  could  to  repel  the  attack; 

But  nothing  availed, — and  with  captives  and  booty, 
The  conquering  Moslem  invaders  turned  back. 

They  paused,  in  their  course,  by  and  by,  to  consider 
What  next  they  should  do  with  their  ill-gotten  spoils. 

The  jewels,  divided,  were  sold  to  each  bidder; 

The  people  were  problems, — though  held  in  their 
toils. 

At  length  they  decided  that  life  should  be  given 
To  those  of  the  party  alone  to  confess 

The  faith  of  their  captors.     Though  hard  they  had 

striven, 
Yet  Allah  it  was  that  had  brought  this  success. 

Two  pieces  of  wood  they  discovered,  and  laid  them 
To  form  on  the  ground  just  the  shape  of  a  cross. 

"Great  Allah  be  praised,  and  his  works  as  he  made 

them! 
Now  trample  on  this,  else  your  life  be  the  loss! 


28  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

"The  crescent  swings  high,  and,  forever  exalted, 
The  world  shall  bow  down  to  it!     Heed  what  we 
say!" 

The  sad  little  group  had  quite  suddenly  halted, 
Dismayed  at  the  price  for  their  lives  they  must  pay. 

The  shuddering  Christians  considered  the  question, 
Though  each,  in  his  heart,  knew  quite  well  he  must 
die. 

Yet  "Only  two  pieces  of  wood!"  the  suggestion 
Of  one  of  their  number,  their  courage  to  try. 

Americans,  English,  and  Frenchmen  were  present, 
Italians,  and  Germans,  and  some  Russians,  too, 

An  orthodox  noble,  two  women,  a  peasant, — 
And  each  one  decided  on  what  he  would  do. 

Whatever  the  creed,  yet  for  most  of  the  captured, 
The  cross  stood  for  all  that  is  holy  and  good. 

Some  fell  on  their  knees,  some  with  vision  enraptured, 
Stood  quietly  waiting  to  shed  their  hearts'  blood. 

A  scientist  and  a  gay  Frenchman  were  walking 

A  little  apart,  and  debating  the  case. 
Each  listened  with  care  while  the  other  was  talking, 

For  each  was  a  skeptic,  and  felt  out  of  place. 

No  visions  of  heavenly  glories  to  cheer  them 
Came  rushing  before  their  keen,  earthward-bound 


No  angel-songs  sounded  in  ears  that  could  hear  them, 
Or  hearts  that  could  nutter,  in  humble  surprise. 


Desert  Sands  29 

"For  civilization,  alone,  we  shall  do  this, 
And  waste  both  our  lives!"  said  the  scientist  then. 

"But  surely  we  must  help  our  poor  comrades  through 

this!" 
"Yet  what  would  avail?    We  are  only  two  men!" 

"But  since  the  cross  stands  for  all  civilized  kindness, 
Advancement  of  thought,  and  true  freedom  of  life, 

We  will  not  degrade,  in  compulsion,  or  blindness, 
The  cross  to  this  heathenish  crescent  of  strife!" 

So,  with  their  companions,  these  two  took  their  places, 
Resolved  to  abide  by  whate'er  might  befall. 

With  reverence  true  and  sincere  in  their  faces, 
They  knelt,  and  awaited  their  fate, — one  and  all. 

But  hark!  in  the  distance  a  welcome  sound  coming! 

Fresh  guards  were  approaching,  at  threatening  speed ; 
And  while  in  the  prisoners'  ears  were  yet  thrumming 

Their  captors'  revilings,  lo!  friends  in  their  need! 

The   tables   were   turned, — and   the   Moslems,   out- 
numbered, 

Rode  off  in  hot  haste,  intent  only  to  save 
Their  lives;  and  with  booty  they  could  not  be  cum- 
bered. 

Their   captives,  with  tears,  thanked  the  rescuers 
brave. 

Again  to  the  cross  they  kneeled  down,  in  devotion, 
And  thanksgiving,  too,  for  their  wondrous  escape. 

Once  more  the  whole  caravan,  set  into  motion, 
Went  onward,  less  scattered, — compact  in  its  shape. 


30  The  Caliph's  Secret 

The  sands  have  changed  many  times,  over  and  over, 
Yet  facts  are  ingrained,  like  this  story  of  guile. 

The  charms  of  the  desert  new  pilgrims  discover, — 
The  gods  of  the  East  still  continue  to  smile. 


THE  LAST  CHARGE  OF  THE  MAMELUKES. 

WITH  flashing  sabres  waved  on  high, 
They  wheeled  their  horses  round, 
And,  like  a  whirlwind  from  the  sky, 
They  dashed  across  the  ground. 

Invoking  Allah,  on  they  came, 

In  wide,  outspread  array, 
And  like  a  scourging,  searing  flame, 

They  onward  forced  their  way. 

As  two  great  strong  encircling  wings, 

.  Their  enemies  to  hold, 
They  tried  their  fiery  battle-swings, 
As  oft  before,  of  old. 

But  now  a  new  and  mighty  power, 

In  solid  forces  massed, 
Soon  showed  the  Mamelukes  their  hour 

Of  victory  was  past. 

For  even  when  Napoleon's  ranks 

Were  driven  back,  elsewhere 
They  formed  again,  a  strong  phalanx, 

A  still  unconquered  square. 
31 


32  The  Caliph's  Secret 

Again  and  yet  again  they  wheeled, 
Those  Moslem  warriors  brave ; 

But  Fate  indeed  their  doom  had  sealed, — 
Their  lives  they  could  not  save. 

Alas !  retreat  became  a  rout ! 

Each  horseman  quickly  fled, 
As  fast  as  he  could  wheel  about, 

And  urge  his  steed  ahead. 

And  when  next  day  the  River  Nile 
Gave  up  those  drowned  in  flight, 

Such  jewels  and  such  wealth,  erstwhile 
Undreamed  of,  came  to  light. 

For  each  man,  on  his  person  bore 

His  wealth,  in  coins  of  gold 
Or  jewels  bright,  a  mighty  store, 

For  victors  to  behold. 

Where  once  they  ruled,  now  beaten  down, 
Their  fame,  like  Egypt's,  stained. 

For  her  no  more  the  lotus  crown; 
New  masters,  all  she  gained! 


MIRAGE. 

A  DESERT  vision,  sand  and  sky 
Contrive  to  make  the  eyes  believe; 
A  city  with  its  buildings  high, 
And  waving  trees  that  all  deceive. 

With  sparkling  fountains,  minarets, 
That  shine  in  sunlight  dazzling  fair, 

With  rapid  flowing  rivulets, 

And  luscious  fruits  beyond  compare. 

A  desert  lesson  to  mankind, 

When  soon  the  magic  vision  fades; 

For  none,  however  old  or  blind, 
Life's  unrealities  evades. 

Alas!  to  learn  the  false  from  true 
How  difficult  it  sometimes  seems! 

How  many  paths  our  feet  pursue; 
And  often, — we  regret  our  dreams! 


33 


THE  TEMPLE  BELLS. 

IN  a  sea  of  liquid  glory 
Sinks  the  sun. 

Time  has  told  his  daily  story; 
All  is  done. 

Now  the  Temple  bells  are  calling, 

Soft  and  low. 
Gently  through  the  tree-tops,  falling 

Lights,  aglow. 

All  the  Temple  bells  are  saying: 

"Come  to  prayer!" 
Each  one  swinging,  rocking,  swaying, 

Ringing  there. 

In  this  hour,  ere  sunset  glowing 

Turns  to  night, 
Creeds,  like  human  hearts  o'erflowing, 

Yearn  for  light. 


34 


ALMOST. 

PERSUADED,— almost,— thus  Agrippa  stood 
1        At  just  the  fateful  parting  of  the  ways. 
Within  his  heart,  how  much  of  right  and  good 
His  honest,  keen-felt  interest  betrays! 

A  stumbling-block  to  many  people  since, 
That  "almost,"  with  its  dark,  portentous  hour, 

Which,  if  it  lacks  in  force  to  quite  convince, 
Becomes  so  surely,  quickly, — "nevermore." 


35 


THE   PRAYER  RUG. 

YOUNG  Jamil,  at  the  loud  Muezzin's  call, 
Spread  out  his  rug  to  pray,  with  one  and  all 
True  Moslems  who  the  Prophet's  rules  obey, 
Or  try,  at  least,  to  do  so  when  they  pray. 

Why  was  it  that  a  figure  passing  by, 
With  wondrous,  glowing  eyes,  half-veiled  and  shy, 
At  just  that  moment  should  his  mind  distract, 
So  that  he  scarce  observed  what  was  his  act? 

The  very  mischief  was  in  womankind! 

Man  should  be  born  both  deaf,  and  dumb,  and  blind ! 

He  quickly  threw  himself  upon  the  ground, 

But  spread  his  rug,  alas !  the  wrong  way  round ! 

He  closed  his  eyes,  and  fervently  he  prayed, — 
Then  rising,  greatly  was  his  soul  dismayed 
To  find  his  rug  of  prayer  was  pointed  wrong. 
Now  would  ill  fortune  follow  him  along? 

Or  would  intention  count,  instead  of  deed? 
What  was  the  force  of  any  form  or  creed? 
He  still  asks,  if  he  gained  the  grace  he  sought, 
Or  if  those  prayers,  inverted,  went  for  naught. 


HEARD  IN  A  STREET  OF  CAIRO. 

"  DETRAY  him?  nay  —  I  call  a  halt! 

JD     This  never  can  be  so ! 
For  I  have  eaten  of  his  salt, 

And  he  of  mine,  you  know." 

Thus  spake  an  Arab  chieftain  bold, 

And  quickly  walked  away; 
Lest  by  some  fact  unguarded  told, 

He  might  his  friend  betray. 

If  e'er  "the  world"  that  Arab  meet, 

What  will  be  his  surprise 
To  find  so  many  laugh,  and  eat, 

Then  leave,  and — criticize! 


37 


THE  CAMEL  DRIVER. 

BECAUSE  his  comrades  urged  him,  and  because 
In  camel  hire  there  was  just  then  a  pause, 
Mohammed  AH  gambled, — as  he  sat 
And  sulked,  upon  his  well  worn  Persian  mat. 

No  luck  went  with  him,  yet  he  gambled  on, 
Till  piece  by  piece,  his  money  all  was  gone, — 
And  he  had  not  the  wherewithal  to  buy 
A  supper  for  himself  or  his  ally. 

He  looked  upon  the  camel,  in  the  sun, 
Still  chewing  calmly,  as  he  had  begun 
When  coin  was  plentiful,  and  supper  sure. 
Enough  for  days  the  camel  could  procure. 

Then  recognizing  sadly,  in  dismay, 
Work  must  be  found,  else  he  would  pass  away, 
He  saw  the  force  of  that  old  saying  true, — 
The  camel  was  the  wiser  of  the  two. 


IN  AN  EASTERN  BAZAAR. 

WITH  his  wares  duly  spread  in  the  sun, 
Sat  old  Yusef,  the  merchant,  at  ease; 
For  his  bargains  that  day  were  all  done, — 
He  would  take  no  more  trouble  to  please. 

"That  dog  of  a  Christian!"  he  sneered, 
"He  would  not  give  all  that  I  asked. 

By  Allah!  he  mocked  me  and  jeered, 
While  here  in  the  sunlight  I  basked. 

"Ah  well!  if  I  only  received 

Twice  its  worth  for  the  trinket  I  sold, 
I  shall  surely  next  time  be  believed, 

And  get  four  times  its  cost  for  my  gold." 

So  he  chuckled,  and,  closing  his  eyes, 

He  presently  nodded,  in  sleep. 
For  old  Yusef  was  crafty  and  wise, 

And  he  sold  all  his  articles  "cheap." 


39 


THE  BLIND  BEGGAR. 

A  BLIND  old  beggar,  in  a  street 
Of  Cairo  sat,  and  whined : — 
"Alas!  no  food  have  I  to  eat! 
Have  pity  on  the  blind! 

"  O  stranger !  Baksheesh !    Hear  my  cry ! " 

He  thrust  a  dirty  hand 
Upon  the  foremost  passer-by, 

Repeating  his  demand. 

The  money  given, — from  his  eyes 

He  wiped  his  tears  away. 
The  stranger,  glad  to  sympathize, 

Yet  cared  no  more  to  stay. 

Still,  turning  round,  he  looked  behind. 

Alas!  for  all  his  pains! 
With  sparkling  eyes,  that  beggar  blind 

Was  counting  up  his  gains! 


ALADDIN'S  CAVE. 

THE  cave  of  Aladdin  is  not  far  away ; 
In  fact,  it  is  quite  close  at  hand, — 
Where  treasures  untold  may  be  found  in  array, 
By  those  who  its  doors  understand. 

Here  diamonds  sparkle  and  shine  like  the  sun, — 
Bright  wit,  glowing  love,  and  romance, 

The  fires  of  emotion  that  sometimes  can  stun, 
With  the  force  qf  a  magical  glance. 

Here  envy  and  jealousy  never  find  room, — 

Each  gem  is  for  any  to  take ; 
While  pearls  of  true  wisdom,  dispelling  all  gloom, 

Bring  comfort  for  ev'ry  heart-ache. 

The  virtue  of  rubies,  the  emeralds'  hope, 
Golden  deeds,  in  a  full  flowing  stream, 

With  lamps  of  blue  sapphire,  of  marvelous  scope, 
Shining  out  like  a  wonderful  dream. 

Ev'ry  gem  that  in  all  the  wide  world  can  be  bought 

May  be  had  for  the  asking  or  look ; 
For  the  cave  is  the  region  of  beautiful  thought, 

And  each  door  to  the  place  is — a  book. 


REINCARNATION. 

IF  I  could  on  this  pleasant  earth  appear 
In  after  years,  in  some  new  chosen  guise, 
I'd  be  a  gentle  zephyr;  in  your  ear 

To  whisper  how  I  love  your  lips,  your  eyes, 
Your  hair,  your  whole  dear  self, — and  all  day  long 
I'd  blow, — and  sing  to  you  my  sweetest  song. 


A  SANDALWOOD  FAN. 

LIKE  a  spirit,  it  haunts  one,  at  times, 
With  dreams,  and  with  visions  so  fair, — 
Faint  bells,  with  their  soft,  Eastern  chimes, 
Ring  out,  on  the  musical  air. 

Clear  sunshine,  and  warm,  balmy  skies, 
No  cloud  to  obscure  the  fair  view, 

A  glimpse  of  bright,  wonderful  eyes, 

Shining  out,  their  perfumed  veilings  through. 

Indian  temples,  or  those  on  the  Nile, — 

Dark  sorcery,  under  whose  spell, 
Even  time  can  roll  backward  a  while, 

And  all  of  the  future  foretell. 

Light  and  glow,  heat  and  dust,  desert  sand, 
The  jewels  of  Rajahs  and  Kings, — 

Though  the  power  of  a  far  distant  land 
Through  the  East  now  unceasingly  rings. 

With  laughter,  with  song,  and  with  feast, 
Since  its  delicate  mission  began, — 

To  bring  up  the  thought  of  the  East, 
There  is  naught  like  a  sandal  wood  fan. 


43 


AT  POMPEII. 

"  T  \  7 HAT  are  you  doing  here?  "  cried  out  a  voice : 

V  V      And  suddenly,  within  the  ruined  house, 
Where  once  a  home  existed,  long  ago, 
Behold!  the  former  owner  stood  again, 
As  in  the  flesh,  before  my  mental  eyes; 
Clad  in  the  toga  that  he  used  to  wear, 
And  looking  down  upon  me  with  a  frown. 
"Think  you,  because  we  were  unfortunate, 
And  lost  our  all,  that  you  have  now  the  right 
To  walk  through  our  abodes,  and  comments  make 
On  how  we  lived,  and  what  we  thought,  and  did? 
Great  Jupiter!  if  we  the  tables  turned, 
And  only  once  walked  through  your  domiciles, 
As  thousands  wander  with  impunity 
Through  ours,  you  would  a  lesson  quickly  learn. 
Go  home!  and  pray  such  gods  as  you  may  have, 
To  make  you  more  respectful  of  the  past, 
And  less  intrusive,  where  you  have  no  rights ; 
Remembering  that  none  on  earth  are  free, 
And  that  misfortunes  come,  to  each  and  all. " 


HYPATIA. 

BOTH  for  wisdom  and  for  beauty 
Was  she  famous  in  her  day ; 
Loyalty,  devotion,  duty, 

Marked  the  conduct  of  her  way. 

Heathen  gods  she  worshiped,  truly, 
Heathen  wisdom  was  her  guide; 

Yet  no  act  or  thought  unruly 

Stained  her  name,  or  hurt  her  pride. 

Lost  in  Wisdom's  contemplation, 
Naught  to  her  the  Governor; 

E'en  the  thought  of  elevation 
To  a  throne,  she  cared  not  for. 

Yet  her  gods,  of  ancient  story, 
Made  her  hesitate,  since  power 

To  restore  their  olden  glory 

Would  be  hers,  in  triumph's  hour. 

Blame  her  not,  for  she  was  acting 

From  her  principle  of  life, — 
Faith  to  deities  exacting, 

Though  o'erthrown  in  Christian  strife. 
45 


46  TKe  CalipH's  Secret 

Wise  Minerva  did  not  aid  her, 

Jupiter,  or  Juno  fair, 
When  that  Christian  mob  waylaid  her, 

Stoned,  and  beat,  and  killed  her  there. 

In  old  Alexandria  City, 
Bishop  Cyril,  to  his  shame, 

Showered,  with  no  word  of  pity, 
Obloquy  upon  her  name. 

Ah  well!  time  has  changed  opinions, 
Creeds,  ideas,  knowledge,  too, 

And  upon  its  outspread  pinions 
Borne  away  much  thought  untrue. 

So  Hypatia  stands  forever, 
And  where'er  her  tale  is  told, 

Wisdom's  votress,  truest  ever, 
'Mid  philosophers  of  old. 

Holding  truths  once  taught  her  gaily, 

Loyally,  and  unafraid. 
Christians  may,  in  courage,  daily 

Emulate  this  heathen  maid. 


ALGIERS. 

A    TERRACED  city,  set  upon  a  hill,— 
JT\     All  white,  and  glowing,  in  the  dazzling  sun 
That  shines  upon  the  roofs  of  brilliant  red, 
The  blue  sky  all  above, — to  make  as  one 
Three  races  most  distinct  and  different 
That  live  together  closely,  side  by  side. 
While  over  all,  upon  the  fragrant  breeze, 
The  tricolor  is  floating  free  and  wide. 


47 


GIBRALTAR. 

ENGLAND  triumphant!  rings  the  warlike  cry 
From  ev'ry  crag  and  pinnacle  and  ledge 
Of  that  vast  rock  which  towers  toward  the  sky, 
A  frowning  fortress,  from  the  water's  edge. 

Some  great  upheaval  of  a  bygone  age, 
Tremendous  force  of  Nature,  in  a  mood 

Most  quarrelsome,  in  vast,  Titanic  rage, 

Upraised  the  mighty  rock, — and  there  it  stood. 

And  England  took  and  held  it  for  her  own 
These  many  years,  in  face  of  ev'ry  foe, 

A  monument  of  strength, — but  not  alone 
Of  conquest  does  it  speak,  for  all  to  know. 

It  tells  of  all  for  which  brave  England  stands, 
The  march  of  Progress  down  the  passing  years, 

The  white  man's  burden  borne  in  foreign  lands, 
The  mastery  of  idle  hopes  and  fears. 

As  long  as  Civilization  can  be  seen 

Where'er  the  flag  of  England  is  unfurled, 

New  lands  made  better,  stronger,  and  more  clean, 
So  long  shall  English  prowess  rule  the  world. 


UNITED  ITALY. 

DREAMED  of  by  sibyls  and  sages, 
Grasped  at  by  Emperors,  Kings, 
Dukes  of  the  old  Middle  Ages, 
Loudly  their  battle-cry  rings. 

Plotted  by  Macchiavelli, 
Sung  by  great  Dante  of  old, 

Fought  for  by  Masanielli, 
Thwarted  by  foreigners'  gold. 

Longed  for  by  many  a- weary, 
Tired  of  the  struggle  and  strife 

Brought  by  their  masters  most  cheery 
Into  their  down-trodden  life. 

Italy,  one  and  united,  .    , 

Rises  at  last  in  her  power; 
All  of  her  struggles  requited, 

Joy  in  her  long-deferred  hour. 

Honor  to  bold  Garibaldi, 

Victor  Emmanuel  King, 
Mazzini,  Cavour,  and  Grimaldi, 

Thankful,  O  Italy,  sing. 


49 


THE  GONDOLA'S  CHARM. 

BLEST  relic  of  a  former  time! 
Although  its  color  black 
Has  lost  the  glow  of  song  and  rhyme, 
Its  charm  will  never  lack. 

For  down  the  magic  Grand  Canal, 

With  palaces  each  side, 
It  sweeps  along; — no  thought  banal 

Can  spoil  its  stately  pride. 

Of  ancient  Councils,  ladies  fair, 

The  Doges'  lordly  will, 
Each  gondola,  though  time  impair, 

Is  reminiscent  still. 

And  artists,  poets,  mighty  kings 
Have  felt  its  potent  charm, 

Transcending  sublunary  things, — 
All  thought  of  care  or  harm. 

And  so,  to-night,  as  on  we  sail, 

Time's  secrets  it  can  tell. 
Its  mystic  magic  ne'er  will  fail, 

Beneath  the  moonlight's  spell. 


IRIS. 

TRAILING  o'er  the  misty  lea 
Iridescent  light, 
Iris  comes,  and  shadows  flee 
At  her  presence  bright. 

Smiling  through  the  drops  of  rain, 

Iris,  floating  high, 
Casts  her  bright  encircling  train 

Through  the  cloud-swept  sky. 

Glorious  both  in  form  and  hue, 
Swift  she  casts  her  spell, 

With  a  promise  fair  and  true, 
And  a  lure,  as  well. 

All  the  glories  of  the  world, 

Freedom  from  all  care, 
In  the  brilliant  paths  unfurled 

Through  the  upper  air. 

Promises  our  hearts  to  bless, 
Joy,  and  light,  and  life, 

Fair  ideal  happiness, 
Free  from  toil  and  strife. 


52  The  Caliph's  Secret 

Iris  with  this  glimpse  beguiles; 

Then,  in  swift  disguise, 
Folds  her  mantle,  beckons,  smiles, 

Fades  before  our  eyes. 

Gladly  would  we  heed  the  sweet 
Smiling  beck  and  nod, 

Following  with  eager  feet 
Iris,  rain-bow  shod. 


THE  JOY  OF  GIVING. 

A    WHITE-SOULED  lily  raised  its  head 
r\     To  greet  the  distant  sky, 
While  softly  round  its  lowly  bed 
With  mosses  thickly  overspread, 
A  brooklet  rippled  by. 

The  birds  sang  out  their  sweet  refrain 

In  music  clear  and  strong, 
And  cheered  the  world  with  message  plain 
That  showed,  in  each  melodious  strain, 

The  joy  of  giving  song. 

And  all  the  glorious  forest  trees 

Rejoiced  to  give  their  shade, 
And  waved  their  branches  in  the  breeze, 
A  welcome  home  for  birds  and  bees, 

Throughout  the  leafy  glade. 

And  so  the  lily,  safe  from  harm, 

And  freed  from  toil  and  care, 
Gave  gladly  all  its  beauty's  charm, 
And  sent  its  message,  fragrant,  warm, 

To  bless  the  earth  and  air. 


53 


TRUTH. 

UP  from  the  billows  of  the  dancing  sea 
Arose  a  form  of  phosphorescent  light, 
Fair  as  the  smile  of  morning  o'er  the  lea, 

And  like  the  sun  in  gleaming  splendor  bright. 

Thus  Truth  first  came,  and  found  a  welcome  place 
In  Eden,  when  the  world  was  fresh  and  young, 

And  unafraid  to  look  upon  her  face, 
And  listen  to  the  music  of  her  tongue. 

In  grief,  she  followed,  as  the  banished  pair 
Were  driven  forth,  in  exile  far  to  roam; 

Though  forfeited  were  Eden's  glories  fair, 

Yet  Truth  remained,  to  brighten  still  their  home. 

Alas !  The  world  grew  old,  and  filled  with  fear, 
And  callous  to  the  touch  of  spring  and  youth, 

And,  wrapped  in  shadows,  e'en  refused  to  hear 
Or  see  the  beauty  of  all-perfect  Truth. 

And  now,  when  Truth  appears,  we  turn  away; 

Distrustful  of  her  smile,  we  seek  excuse. 
We  dare  not  welcome  her,  and  bid  her  stay, — 

Afraid,  we  drive  her  from  us,  with  abuse. 
54 


Truth  55 

But  sometimes  still  she  forces  us  to  see 
Her  perfect  innocence,  without  disguise; 

Yet  quickly,  with  the  veil  of  Charity, 
The  naked  Truth  is  hidden  from  our  eyes. 

So,  sadly  does  she  seek  again  the  waves 

That  wash  away  from  earth  its  dust  and  sin. 

She  gladly  there  her  troubled  spirit  laves, 

And  finds,  once  more,  her  primal  home  therein. 

Yet  in  the  time  to  come,  when  o'er  the  earth 
Again  the  sea  shall  thunder,  like  a  flail, 

Thence  shall  the  world  arise,  in  fresh  new  birth, 
For  Truth  is  strong,  and  will,  at  last,  prevail. 


QUEEN  MAB  LOQUITUR. 

THIS  world  so  sadly  wise  has  grown, 
With  so-called  scientific  lore, 
Mankind  will  seldom  even  own 
The  world  of  fairies,  any  more. 

And  yet,  a  thousand  secrets  still 
Are  hidden  from  men's  mighty  brains. 

What  makes  the  wind  blow  as  it  will? 

Whence  come  the  droughts,  or  sudden  rains? 

What  is  the  force  that  draws  to  earth? 

Whence  come  the  strength  and  power  of  fire  ? 
The  miracle  of  death,  and  birth? 

Of  light,  and  life,  the  heart's  desire? 

And  even  electricity, 

Of  which  the  world  makes  use  to-day, 
Who  knows  how  great  its  power  can  be? 

And  what  it  is,  no  man  can  say. 

The  laws  of  Fate  seem  all  unknown; 

Or  how  to  bring  the  sunshine  fair, — 
While  still  in  clumsy  boats  alone 

Man  rises,  on  the  waiting  air. 
56 


Queen  Mab   Loqxjitiar  57 

So  easy  is  it,  just  to  rise, 

And  float  along,  from  place  to  place. 
Why  will  not  mortals  use  their  eyes, 

And  see  and  learn  the  fairies'  grace? 

Most  stupidly  they  laugh  and  scoff, 
Although  they  still  so  little  know 

They  can  not  send  a  sunbeam  off, 
Or  make  a  single  grass-blade  grow! 

They  can  not  e'en  a  cobweb  spin! 

They  can  not  move  the  restless  tides, 
Or  look  the  smallest  seed  within, 

Or  do  a  thousand  things  besides! 

Yet  in  mock  wisdom,  still  they  think 

The  fairy- world  does  not  exist, 
And  lightly  throw  aside  the  link 

That  binds  both  worlds,  to  each  assist. 

More  is,  in  heaven  and  earth,  than  seems 

In  man's  philosophy  so  drab. 
Let  mortals  wisely  trust  their  dreams, 

And  take  assistance  from  Queen  Mab. 


PAGEANT  OF  THE  SEASONS. 

SPRING. 

DANCING  down  the  hill-side, 
Smiling  o'er  the  plain, 
Now  a  gush  of  music, — 
Now  a  sudden  rain, — 
Bursting  buds  and  bushes, 
Hiding  'neath  the  trees, 
All  the  secret  forces 
Shouting  in  the  breeze, 
Waking  up  the  life-blood, 
Calling  far  and  near 
Ev'ry  living  creature, — 
Lo !  the  Spring  is  here ! 

SUMMER. 

With  fragrant  breath  of  new-mown  hay 
The  golden  Summer  wends  her  way, — 
The  joy  of  life  within  her  heart, 
Of  Nature's  happiness  a  part, 
In  glorious  splendor  does  she  stand, 
And  gaze  upon  the  teeming  land 
Whose  riches  answer  to  her  call, — 
Herself  the  life  and  joy  of  all. 
58 


Pageant  of  tKe  Seasons  59 

AUTUMN. 

"Let  full  fruition  come!"  is  Autumn's  cry, 

Sent  broadcast  forth,  upon  the  winds  that  blow 
Across  the  orchards,  from  the  moonlit  sky 

With  wondrous  golden  radiance  all  aglow, 
Reflected  in  the  colors  warmly  spread 

With  lavish  hand,  to  deck  the  happy  world. 
The  Harvest  Queen,  with  crown  upon  her  head, 

Holds  regal  court,  her  banners  all  unfurled. 

WINTER. 

Asleep,  but  holding  close  within  her  snowy  breast 
The  glowing  life-blood  of  the  universe  at  rest, 
And  drawing  into  all  its  veins,  with  greatest  care, 
The  hidden  forces  of  the  sea,  and  earth,  and  air, — 
So  Winter  broods;  in  peace,  apart  from  toil  and  strife, 
And  plans  the  wondrous  secrets  of  the  coming  life! 


THE  PIPER. 

THE  piper  piped  his  piping  way; 
We  listened  to  his  song 
Which  bore  our  thoughts  and  hopes  away, 

Upon  its  music  strong, 
Above  the  sordid  cares  of  earth, 
Above  life's  stings  and  smarts. 
The  Piper  piped,  in  grief,  and  mirth, 
Straight  into  all  our  hearts. 


60 


THE  WINDS'  QUESTION. 

EVER  as  the  twilight  falling 
O'er  the  hills  so  far  away 
Turns  to  night,  the  winds  are  calling 
For  an  answer  from  the  day. 

What  was  done  with  hours  of  daylight 
Given  to  each  soul  on  earth? 

Strict  accounting,  in  this  gray  light, 
Claim  the  winds,  by  right  of  birth. 

First  created,  breath  of  being, 
O'er  the  brooding  Cosmos  hurled, 

Formless,  passing,  all  things  seeing, 
Winds  of  God  swing  o'er  the  world. 

Sorrow,  sadness,  song,  and  laughter, 
Duties  done,  or  follies'  power, 

Each  must  face  the  question,  after 
Sunset  brings  the  twilight  hour. 

For  the  winds  are  calling,  calling, 
From  the  ether,  far  and  nigh, 

With  a  rushing  force  appalling, 
Urging  thoughts  to  soar  on  high. 


61 


UNSAID. 

' '  T"^  HINK  twice ! "  is  a  motto  quite  frequently  heard, 
1      Though  seldom  we  give  to  it  heed; 

Yet  naught  can  recall  even  one  spoken  word 
Sent  out  with  such  perilous  speed. 

The  sarcasm  we  thought,  and  yet  did  not  quite  say, 

The  anger  we  throttled  at  birth, 
The  secret  we  promised  we  ne'er  would  betray, 

The  wit,  at  all  cost,  to  bring  mirth. 

Ah  yes!  a  great  victory  surely  is  won, 
When  a  guard  o'er  our  lips  is  outspread. 

For  we  often  repent  of  the  things  left  undone, 
But  rarely  of  those  left  unsaid. 


62 


THE  IMPRISONED  BIRD. 

HE  sings,  apparently  content, 
Within  his  cage. 
There  is  no  note  of  sad  lament, 
Or  silent  rage. 

Yet  give  him  but  the  slightest  chance 

To  fly  away, 
He  will  not  pause  for  backward  glance, 

Or  longer  stay. 

Philosophy,  of  deepest  kind, 

Is  shown  therein ; 
A  peaceful  happiness  to  find 

His  cage  within. 

For  all,  by  circumstances,  oft 

Are  bound, — none  free. 
The  mind  alone  can  soar  aloft, 

To  liberty. 


RAYS. 

AT  twenty,  gazing  towards  the  sky, 
A  man,  with  courage  firm  and  high, 
Demands,  his  dreams  to  satisfy, 
A  ray  of  hope  in  sight. 

At  fifty,  life  to  dignify, 

And  make  worth  while,  in  full  supply, 
He  needs — his  heart  to  gratify — 

A  ray  of  glory  bright. 

At  eighty,  he  will  not  deny 

That  ease  and  comfort  far  outvie 

Aught  else, — he  asks  to  just  descry 
A  ray  of  warm  sunlight. 


CUPID  AND  PSYCHE. 

/""^UPID  came  flying  through  the  air. 
V.>        Cupid  came, 

Cupid  came; 
He  saw,  and  found  young  Psyche  fair, 

Fair  for  a  lover's  game. 

Wooing  and  winning  were  quickly  done. 

Cupid  came, 

Cupid  came; 
His  love  departed  as  hers  had  begun, 

Ever  the  old,  old  game. 

He  said  'twas  her  curiosity. 

Cupid  came, 

Cupid  came; 
Love  should  be  blind,  but  she  wished  to  see, 

Spoiling  his  secret  game. 

But  Cupid  left,  ere  away  he  flew, 

Cupid  came, 

Cupid  came; 
Wings  for  the  soul  of  Psyche,  too, 

Better  than  all  his  game; 

Better  than  all  his  game. 


A  PARADOX. 

IN  many  a  phase  of  life, 
A  timely  sally  of  wit 
Has  averted  serious  strife, 

As  all  the  world  will  admit. 
Oft  a  merry  bit  of  chaff 

Brings  smiles  to  an  angry  face, 
Or  a  clever  speech  and  laugh, — 
For  wit  is  a  saving  grace. 

But  the  clever  speech  may  be  keen, 

With  stings  that  rankle  and  burn, 
While  a  thought  unkind  and  mean 

May  lurk  in  its  brilliant  turn. 
For  a  laugh  so  easily  shakes 

A  reputation  therein ; 
And  its  very  cleverness  makes 

Of  wit  a  besetting  sin. 

So  easy  it  is  to  sneer, 

And  sometimes  so  hard  to  refrain ; 
For  people  are  often  queer, 

And  credulous,  stupid,  and  vain. 
Put  wit  and  ourselves  in  their  place; 

Good  laughter  is  never  a  grin, — 
For  wit  is  a  saving  grace, — 

And  eke,  a  besetting  sin. 


66 


A   WORD   OF   WELCOME   TO   GRADUATING 
CLASS. 

A  WORD  of  welcome  is  the  very  best 
That  one  can  say.     It  gives  an  added  zest 
To  life,  to  welcome  gladly  each  new  day, 
With  all  it  brings  of  work,  or  thought,  or  play. 
Like  mercy,  does  it  bless  the  one  who  gives 
And  also  him  who  takes.     It  ever  lives, 
A  pleasant  memory  of  time,  and  place, 
And  circumstance,  to  which  it  lends  its  grace. 
So  would  we  welcome  you.     The  dawning  world 
Is  like  a  magic  scroll  but  half  unfurled, 
Where  you  shall  find  the  sum  of  days  to  be, 
Now  shrouded  in  the  veil  of  mystery. 
As  friends,  firm  friends  we  greet  you,  knowing  well 
The  coming  years  have  wondrous  tales  to  tell. 
All  these  your  ears  shall  hear, — your  eyes  behold 
The  miracles  that  science  shall  unfold, 
The  vast  improvements,  and  the  added  strength 
And  wisdom  brought  mankind,  until,  at  length, 
Full  capabilities  of  heart  and  soul 
Shall  find  expression  in  a  greater  goal. 
Through  you,  our  thought  would  seize  them,  and 

rejoice 

To  reach  the  distant  years,  with  welcome  voice, 
And  in  the  whirl  of  changing  forces  caught, 
Hand  down  the  torch  of  life,  the  torch  of  thought. 
67 


68  The  Caliph's  Secret 

But  present  needs  are  with  us,  and  the  hour 

Calls  for  the  exercise  of  other  power. 

Up  to  this  time  your  tasks  have  all  been  planned, 

Arranged,  and  settled,  by  the  master  hand. 

Now  for  yourselves,  each  one  of  you  must  do 

Those  things  in  life  which  most  appeal  to  you. 

Your  own  desires  must  help  you  to  decide 

How  each  day  shall  be  spent,  whate'er  betide. 

Though  in  the  midst  of  stress,  and  storm,  and  strife, 

Or  in  the  quiet  of  an  easy  life, 

The  great  things  of  the  world  may  make  appeal, 

The  things  worth  while  to  do,  and  think,  and  feel, 

Forgetting  smaller  things,  of  little  worth, 

The  stumbling  blocks  of  Time,  upon  this  earth. 

Two  lessons  are  there,  vastly  different, 

Each  perfect  for  the  epoch  that  is  meant. 

"Slight  nothing!"  is  the  maxim  of  our  youth. 

And  this  is  surely  best,  because  our  eyes 

Not  clearly  can  discern  immortal  truth 

In  life's  first  morning  light.     E'en  the  most  wise 

Might  pass  a  precious  jewel  in  disguise. 

And  as  the  tiny  bird,  that  builds  her  nest 

In  early  spring,  gives  care  the  very  best 

To  first-laid  straws,  so,  with  most  tender  ruth, 

We  follow  Nature's,  not  our  own  behest. 

But  older  grown,  the  point  of  view  will  change. 
We  have  not  all  eternity,  we  find, 
In  which  to  live  our  earthly  lives.     A  strange 
New  power  impels  us,  and  we  leave  behind 
The  child's  repose,  for  strength  of  other  kind, 


Welcome  to  Graduates  69 

Ability  to  pick  and  choose  aright. 
That  man  who  shows  the  greatest  power  and  might, 
And  in  the  realm  of  thought  has  widest  range, 
Is  he  who  learns  the  best  just  what  to  slight. 

Time, — time  is  all  we  any  of  us  have, 

And  how  we  spend  it,  and  how  much  we  save, 

All  this  depends  upon  ourselves.     Indeed, 

The  more  we  value  it,  the  more  we  need. 

And  so,  with  fitting  choice,  and  longer  time 

Than  we, — with  broader  view-point  in  your  prime, — 

With  greater  chances,  all  the  world  around, 

Than  any  which  at  present  can  be  found, — 

With  deeper  insight,  and  much  larger  scope, 

Embodying  our  future,  and  our  hope 

To  help  the  best  ideals  to  come  true, 

O  youthful  comrades,  so  we  welcome  you. 


THE  FIR  TREE. 

"PRIMEVAL  forests  give  the  world 
1        Each  year  the  Christmas  tree; 
Each  year  its  branches  are  unfurled, 
With  welcome  wide  and  free. 

Within  its  veins,  the  sap  that  flows 
Is  drawn  from  Nature's  heart; 

The  gifts  it  bears  upon  its  boughs 
Are  of  that  life  a  part. 

With  offerings  of  joy,  content, 
And  love,  and  happy  cheer, 

The  greatest  gift  of  all  is  sent, 
The  coming  glad  New  Year. 

The  coming  year,  with  all  its  chance 
For  joy,  and  work,  and  play ! 

Let  Christmas  fragrance  still  enhance 
Each  month,  each  week,  each  day. 


70 


THE  CONQUERING  SEA. 

WHITE  horses  of  foam  and  of  spray 
Are  the  fast-charging  legions  of  waves 
That  dash,  and  as  quickly  away 

Carry  off  the  white  sands,  as  their  slaves. 

Bold  chargers,  in  mighty  array, 

They  could  hide  the  vast  earth  in  their  caves ; 
Or  sweep,  in  a  sudden  foray, 

All  the  world  to  their  watery  graves. 

Yet  sometimes  they  curvet  and  play ; 

And  each  legion  so  mildly  behaves 
That  nothing  could  ever  betray 

Their  mad  passion  that  frequently  raves. 

For  long,  long  ago  was  the  day, 

And  much  changed  are  the  shores  which  it  laves, 
When  the  Sea,  universal  in  sway, 

Held  the  Earth,  all  confined,  in  its  traves. 

But  always  remembrance  will  stay, 

And  forever  excitement  it  craves. 
The  Sea  seeks  the  Earth  as  its  prey, 

Sings  a  war-song,  in  thunderous  staves, — 


72  The  Caliph's  Secret 

The  last  final  conflict  and  fray; 

When  perhaps  once  again  to  its  glaves 
The  future  can  never  gainsay 

Or  o'ercome  the  all-conquering  Waves. 


ET  TU,  BRUTE! 

THE  highest  pinnacle  of  earthly  power 
Great  Caesar  reached;  and  then  his  mighty  will, 
His  force  of  thought,  his  strength,  his  judgment  keen 
O'erthrown,  by  pride  and  selfish  egotism, 
He  fell.    Ah!  not  alone  assassins'  wounds 
Deprived  him  of  his  life.     The  best  of  him 
Was  gone  already,  sucked  away,  forsooth, 
By  foul  Ambition's  carking  canker-worms. 
This  Brutus  saw,  and  gave  the  final  blow. 
If  right  or  wrong,  who,  of  us  all,  may  judge? 
And  though  his  own  strong,  high  ideals  failed 
In  killing  Cassar,  yet  he  killed  himself, 
And,  in  the  anguish  of  a  tortured  soul, 
He  paid  the  penalty,  for  once  and  all. 


73 


ALONE. 

ALONE,  within  the  sweeping  world  of  thought, 
Each  soul  stands  facing  mighty  problems  old ; 
And  countless  centuries  have  never  brought 
An  answer  that  could  fittingly  be  told. 

What  are  the  mysteries  of  life  and  death? 

What  are  the  rules  that  govern  and  that  sway 
The  destinies  of  man?    A  little  breath 

Of  chance  apparently  blows  all  away. 

What  governs  mighty  chance  ?    What  makes  our  fate  ? 

How  can  we  rule  our  lives  and  actions  well? 
When  comes  our  final  exit? — soon,  or  late? 

A  child  may  ask  what  ne'er  a  sage  can  tell. 

And  yet  we  strive,  and  yield  not,  or  despond. 

Hope  buoys  us  up,  else  courage  would  be  gone, — 
While  sometimes,  just  a  glimpse  of  light  beyond 

Assures  us  that  we  are  not  quite  alone. 


74 


PENUMBRA. 

LENT. 

THE  mantling  shadows  fall, 
The  sunbeams  swiftly  fly, 
A  hush  is  over  all, — 

The  dusk  is  drawing  nigh. 

A  strange,  mysterious  gloom 
Hangs  o'er  the  distant  hill; 

Faint  odors,  like  a  tomb, 
Are  borne  on  breezes  still. 

Our  souls,  expectant,  wait; 

Our  trembling  lips  are  dumb, 
We  know  that  soon  or  late 

The  darkest  hour  will  come. 

Yet  hearts  with  faith  aglow, 
With  clear,  prophetic  eyes, 

Believe,  and  feel,  and  know 
To-morrow's  sun  shall  rise. 


75 


THE  CRIPPLE. 

ONCE,  in  the  fullness  of  his  manhood's  prime, 
He  walked  the  earth,  nor  cared  for  wind  or  rain, 
Or  weary  hours  of  heavy  toil  and  grime; 
He  lightly  labored,  and  he  laughed  at  pain. 

Now,  shorn  of  strength,  a  cripple,  sad  and  pale, 
He  finds  the  day  too  long ;  the  restless  night 

Brings  dreams  to  make  the  stoutest  spirit  quail, 
And  pray  the  coming  of  the  morning  light. 

O  you  who  have  your  strength,  your  life,  your  power, 
Be  thankful;  aye,  and  pitiful  in  thought 

Of  him,  for,  in  your  own  most  gloomy  hour, 

Not  one  of  you  would  change  with  him  your  lot. 


THE  KINGDOM  OF  HEARTS. 

THE  Kingdom  of  Hearts  is  an  old  one, 
Its  secrets  are  deep  as  the  sea; 
Its  ruler  must  aye  be  a  bold  one 
To  govern  his  subjects  so  free. 

For  castles  are  nothing  as  strongholds 
When  Love  wields  the  magical  key, 

And,  whether  for  right  or  for  wrong,  holds 
The  will  of  the  lover  in  fee. 

Naught  for  taunt  or  for  bitter  reviling, 
For  chains  or  for  dungeon  cares  he, 

While  musical  whispers  beguiling 
Float  over  the  languorous  lea. 

Sweet  promises  ne'er  to  be  broken, 
Sworn  firmly,  on  low-bended  knee, 

A  rose  as  a  dainty  love  token, 
Initials  carved  on  an  oak  tree, — 

A  song,  or  a  smile,  or  a  sonnet, 
What  matters  whate'er  it  may  be? 

A  ringlet,  a  ribbon,  a  bonnet, 

The  spell  of  a  sweetheart's  decree. 
77 


78  TKe  CalipH's  Secret 

And  so,  on  and  on,  goes  the  story, 
With  winsome  and  wild  witchery, 

Through  joy,  gladness,  sorrow,  or  glory, 
And  sometimes  a  sad  tragedy. 

Oh,  the  Kingdom  of  Hearts  is  a  hard  one! 

And  only  with  true  bravery 
One  fathoms  the  secrets  to  guard  one 

And  guide  to  a  good  destiny. 


THE   UNIVERSAL   MELODY. 

A  BREATH  of  music  in  the  air, 
/~\     The  song  of  birds,  we  know  not  where, 
The  sighing  of  the  evening  breeze 
That  gently  stirs  among  the  trees, 
The  ocean's  waves  upon  the  shore, 
In  rhythmic  beating  o'er  and  o'er, 
The  roll  of  drums,  an  organ's  notes, 
The  melody  from  mortal  throats, 
Great  orchestras,  or  grave,  or  gay, 
All  soul-compelling  in  their  sway, 
All,  all,  are  part  of  that  vast  sound 
Which  whirls  this  universe  around. 


79 


THE  GREAT  MAGICIAN. 

FAST  hidden  in  the  mountains,  rocks,  and  trees, 
With  f  ateful  whispers  borne  upon  the  breeze, 
The  great  magician  weaves  his  wondrous  spells, 
And,  by  their  influence,  the  world  compels. 
Time  is  the  mighty  master  of  us  all. 
By  him  we  count  the  seasons'  rise  and  fall, 
The  passing  years,  the  swiftly  flying  hours, 
The  budding  boughs,  the  gaily  blooming  flowers, 
The  fruits  of  autumn,  and  its  brilliant  tints, — 
Then  falling  leaves,  and  subtle,  stinging  hints 
Of  winter's  coming,  when,  'neath  cloak  of  snow, 
New  life  lies  waiting  for  the  spring  to  show, — 
So  run  the  years  since  first  the  world  began, 
Or  e'er  appeared  the  prehistoric  man. 
E'en  farther  backward  still,  long  ere  this  earth 
Took  stable  form,  or  gave  a  monad  birth, 
While  yet  a  shapeless  object,  null  and  void, 
It  hung  in  ether,  dim,  but  undestroyed, — 
Beyond  the  regions  of  the  earth  or  sky 
Time  reaches  back  to  far  eternity. 
We  look  within  the  future,  and  again 
The  great  magician  rules  the  lives  of  men. 
Both  hopes  and  fears  swing  in  the  balance- test, 
And  Time  alone  can  prove  what  will  be  best. 
Full  many  theories,  beliefs,  and  creeds 
Will  change, — but  never  kindly  words  and  deeds. 
80 


THe  Great  Magician  8 1 

These  Time  will  reverence,  with  rightful  might, 
And  hold  them  up  in  Truth's  unchanging  light; 
Till  forward,  ever  forward,  in  its  sway, 
It  shows  the  light  of  the  Eternal  Day. 

But  now,  in  our  own  lives,  we  plainly  see 

That  Time  is  ever  present,  with  decree 

That  naught  escapes, — no  wealth,  however  great, 

No  power,  however  strong,  in  church  or  state, 

Can  purchase,  in  each  passing  day,  aught  more 

Of  hours,  than  just  the  given  twenty -four. 

These  sometimes  seem  to  linger,  sometimes  haste, 

Depending  on  how  much  of  them  we  waste. 

Like  all  things  freely  given,  sunshine,  air, 

Or  health,  we  oft  give  Time  but  scanty  care, 

And  waste  it  sadly,  as  it  plainly  shows, — 

We  say,  indeed,  we  know  not  where  Time  goes. 

Alas!  Time  stays, — we  go, — we  know  not  when; 

Our  destiny  is  far  beyond  our  ken. 

Time's  magic  touch  can  many  things  adjust, 

Though  powers  and  kingdoms  crumble  into  dust. 

When  love  and  friendship  stand  the  test  of  Time, 

They  dearer  grow,  with  e'en  a  thought  sublime, 

To  cheer  each  added  year,  as  it  rolls  by, 

Fast  held  within  the  bonds  of  sympathy. 

So  let  us  welcome  Time,  life's  alchemist, 

Who,  in  his  crucible  none  can  resist, 

Will  change  for  better  future  years  to  come, 

Wherever  Hope,  Faith,  Love  shall  make  their  home; 

And,  ere  the  tale  of  life  is  fully  told, 

Shall  turn  for  us  the  silver  years  to  gold. 


PEACE. 

\  A  7HEN  o'er  the  Sea  of  Galilee 
V  V      The  rough  and  stormy  winds  arose, 
A  gentle  Voice  gave  forth  decree 
That  brought  immediate  repose: 
"Peace,  be  still." 

Whene'er  the  stormy  seas  of  life 

Rise  high,  with  fear  and  danger  fraught, 

Amid  the  tumult  and  the  strife, 

To  all  our  hearts  these  words  are  brought: 
"Peace,  be  still." 

When  sounds  of  battle  sweep  the  land, 
And  waves  of  savage  hate  roll  high, 

'Midst  bursting  shell  and  blazing  brand, 

Oh,  may  that  Voice  divine  soon  cry: 

"Peace,  be  still." 


ACROSS  THE  BORDER. 

ACROSS  the  border-land  of  sleep 
Our  fancies  rove  at  will. 
There  is  no  height  however  steep, 
There  is  no  distance,  or  no  deep, 
But  we  can  take  it  still. 

Across  the  border-land  of  death 
A  wondrous  promise  glows, — 
The  highest  life,  immortal  breath, 
All  earthly  thoughts  far,  far  beneath, 
We  trust, — but  no  one  knows. 


A  CHRISTMAS  SPINNING  SONG.' 

SPIN,  spin  the  thread  of  love  and  life, 
Of  mirth  and  happy  cheer, 
Of  fireside  joys  for  man  and  wife, 
And  hours  with  youthful  laughter  rife, 
With  ne'er  a  thought  of  stress  or  strife, 
The  gayest  of  the  year. 

Spin,  spin  the  song  of  whispers  low, 

And  smiling  words  sincere, 
'Neath  holly  and  'neath  mistletoe. 
For  wars  may  rage  and  winds  may  blow, 
Yet  round  the  hearth  let  all  men  know 

That  Christmas  time  is  here. 


FREE. 

THE  very  best  things  in  this  life  are  all  free, 
The  sunlight,  and  water,  and  air, 
The  joy  of  the  meadows,  the  sweep  of  the  sea, 
The  singing  of  birds  over  garden  and  tree, 
The  scent  of  the  blossoms  so  fair. 

And  no  one  can  purchase  a  moment  of  time, 

Yet  never  eternity  ends. 

Over  all  rings  out  gaily  the  glad  New  Year  chime,- 
Freely  come  to  us  hope  and  ambition  sublime, 

And,  best  of  them  all,  love  of  friends. 


85 


A  VALENTINE  VIEW. 

THE  sun  reveals  a  world  most  fair; 
A  breath  of  spring  is  in  the  air, 
With  grass-blades  showing  here  and  there, 
To-day. 

Across  the  limpid  sky  so  blue, 
Each  tree  stands  out  upon  the  view, 
Its  leaves  quite  ready  to  renew, 
To-day. 

And  yet,  alas!  nor  sun  nor  tree 
Can  make  the  picture  bright  for  me, 
Because  'tis  you  I  fain  would  see 
To-day. 


THE  LAST  SNOW. 

IF  Winter  lingers,  blame  him  not; 
For  on  this  earth  so  fair, 
With  sunshine  sparkling  o'er  each  spot; 
Who  would  not  linger  there? 

And  when  the  white  mist  of  the  snow 

Envelops  all  the  world, 
And  trees  like  passing  shadows  show, 

The  land  seems  all  enswirled. 

Then  as  the  sun  once  more  appears, 

What  glory  glistens  forth ! 
The  snow  to  ev'ry  branch  adheres, 

To  prove  and  try  its  worth. 

Ah !  when  some  sultry  summer  day 

Shall  lay  our  courage  low, 
How  welcome,  with  its  cool  array, 

Would  be  this  vanished  snow! 


SINCERITY. 

NOT  what  the  world  may  say  of  you 
Should  be  your  rule  and  guide; 
But  just  your  own  opinions  true 
Should  all  your  acts  decide. 

The  world  can  only  know  in  part 

That  which,  to  you  alone, 
In  deep  recesses  of  your  heart, 

By  Truth's  clear  light  is  shown. 

And  each  one  knows,  indeed,  quite  well, 

Just  what  to  do,  and  when; 
And,  to  himself,  he  may  not  tell 

A  falsehood,  now  and  then. 

For  never  any  good  can  come 

Of  lying  to  one's  self; 
Of  comfort  never  e'en  a  crumb, 

Or  any  gain  in  pelf. 

So,  to  yourself,  if  you  will  be 
Sincere,  throughout  life's  span, 

You  can  not,  when  thus  clear  you  see, 
Be  false  to  any  man. 


88 


PLAY  THE  GAME. 

NEVER  mind  if  things  go  wrong. 
Work  or  play,  regret,  or  song,— 
Years  from  now  it  all  will  be 
Just  the  same,  for  you  or  me. 
Play  the  game. 

Do  your  best,  but  never  care 
Whether,  through  the  earth  and  air, 
Forces  work  against  your  will. 
Go  on  striving,  working  still, — 
Play  the  game. 

Life  is  short,  e'en  at  its  best, — 
Time  enough  for  silent  rest. 
Toil  and  pleasure,  all  avow, 
Find  their  full  expression  now. 
Play  the  game. 


THE  RAINBOW  OF  PROMISE. 

AN  arc  of  glory  spans  the  sky 
Through  sun-kissed  drops  of  rain, 
The  sign  of  promise  from  on  high, 
Shown  forth  to  man  again. 

So,  crystal  clear,  in  Truth's  white  light, 
Through  dewy  drops  impearled, 

Awakened  Thought  proclaims  the  right,- 
A  rainbow  o'er  the  world. 


90 


LIGHT. 

O  ESTLESS  dramas  of  the  daytime, 
JT\     Shadows  of  the  darkened  night, 
Sin  and  sorrow,  work  and  playtime, 
All  beneath  the  spell  of  light. 

(In  the  country.) 

Many  million  miles  of  distance,  bringing  in  the  sunrise 
glow, 

Comes  the  light  of  morn  to  mortals,  fresh  new  glad- 
some day  to  show; 

Scattering  the  dreams  of  midnight,  rousing  from  the 
world  of  sleep, 

Life  bestowing,  hope  upbringing  from  past  shadows, 
dark  and  deep. 

Hark!  the  lowing  of  the  cattle,  in  the  pastures  far 

away! 
Birds  a-twitter  in  the  branches ;  bees  a-stir  at  break  of 

day! 
Soon  the  workers  in  the  meadows  will  their  daily  tasks 

begin,— 
Children  playing  on  the  greensward,  with  the  sound  of 

merry  din, — 


92  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

Fishermen,  beside  the  streamlets,  struggling  hard  with 
rod  and  line 

To  entrap  the  finny  creatures  in  the  water's  morning 
shine, — 

Sportsmen  shooting  in  the  coverts,  making  stir  of  fly- 
ing wings, 

Dangerous  to  forest-dwellers,  birds,  and  beasts,  and 
creeping  things. 


Many  million  miles  of  distance,  swinging  in  the  mid- 
day glow, 

Comes  the  light  of  noon  to  mortals,  rushing  work  of 
life  to  show; 

Scattering  all  thoughts  of  droning,  making  labor  swift 
and  strong; 

Life,  in  fullest  flood  of  worktime,  fast  and  lightly 
borne  along. 


In  the  fields  the  toiling  workers,  with  short  rest  for 
noontide  hour, 

Glory  in  their  deeds  accomplished,  showing  forth 
their  strength  and  power. 

With  the  planting,  mowing,  reaping,  having  ever  in 
their  view 

Thoughts  of  labor  well  rewarded,  done  with  heart  and 
spirit  true. 

And  the  beasts  of  burden  answer,  with  a  trusting,  hope- 
ful call 

That  the  winter's  store  will  keep  them,  sleek  and  safe, 
well  fed  through  all. 


93 


Dogs   and   poultry,   barking,   crowing,  —  housewives, 

bustling  at  the  doors, 
Cleaning,  churning,  cooking,  sewing,  —  babies  sprawl- 

ing on  the  floors. 


Many  million  miles  of  distance,  flinging  down  the 

sunset  glow, 
Comes  the  light  of  eve  to  mortals,  calm  and  peace  of 

night  to  show; 
Scattering  the  Sandman's  blessing,  o'er  the  little  ones 

at  rest, 
Life  renewing  with  sweet  slumber,  when  the  sun  sinks 

in  the  west. 


Round  the  evening  lamplight  gathered,   books  and 

papers  all  at  hand, 
Music,  too,  to  charm  the  weary,  ready  at  a  word's 

command, — 
On  the  vine-crowned  porch,  well  shaded,  in  a  little 

nook  apart, 
Rustic  lovers  find  a  chance  to  tell  the  secrets  of  the 

heart. 
Night  winds  murmur  in  the  branches;  clouds,  across 

the  darkened  sky, 
Float  along  like  quiet  shadows;  while  the  river,  gliding 

by, 
Sings  its  song  of  life-old  wonder,  in  a  mellow,  minor 

key, 
As,  like  time,  it  hurries  onward,  to  a  vast  and  unknown 

sea. 


94  THe  CalipK's  Secret 

(In  the  city.) 

Many  million  miles  of  distance,  bringing  in  the  sunrise 
glow, 

Comes  the  light  of  morn  to  mortals,  fresh  new  glad- 
some day  to  show; 

Scattering  the  dreams  of  midnight,  shaking  well  the 
walls  of  sleep, 

Life  bestowing,  hope  upbringing  from  past  shadows, 
dark  and  deep. 

Hark!  the  rolling  tramway  starting  on  its  steady,  daily 

round, 
While,  like  noise  of  distant  thunder,  rises,  with  its 

varied  sound, 
All  the  waking  of  the  city,  with  its  rumble  loud  and 

clear, 
Many -throated,  vast,  far-reaching,  fateful  to  each 

heart  and  ear. 
For  the  pulse  of  life  goes  throbbing,  with  electric  force 

of  will, 
Through  the  gates  of  morning,  bringing  in  its  wake  a 

mighty  thrill 
That  can  stir  the  souls  of  nations.     Yet  alas!  no  man 

can  say 
What  of  good  or  what  of  evil  shall  be  brought  forth  in  a 

day. 

Many  million  miles  of  distance,  swinging  in  the  mid- 
day glow, 

Comes  the  light  of  noon  to  mortals,  rushing  work  of 
life  to  show ; 


95 

Scattering  the  thoughts  of  midnight,  making  labor 

swift  and  strong; 
Life,  in  fullest  flood  of  worktime,  fast  and  lightly 

borne  along. 


Hurrying  to  bank  or  office,  with  a  face  of  gravest 

care, 
Knowing  well  the  fateful  problems  waiting  for  his 

coming  there, 
Merchant,  lawyer,  in  whatever  business  a  man  may 

be, 
Certain  is  he  that  his  wits  must  work  with  right  good 

energy, 
If  he  hopes  to  make  successful  any  venture  he  may 

take. 

No  thought  can  he  give  the  beggar,  or  the  idle  worth- 
less rake 
Going  by  with  bloated  visage.     Here  a  vendor, — 

there  a  girl, — 
Stately  matron, — organ-grinder, — crowds  and  crowds, 

in  one  mad  whirl. 


Many  million  miles  of  distance,  flinging  down  the 

sunset  glow, 
Comes  the  light  of  eve  to  mortals,  with  no  calm  of 

night  to  show; 
Scattering  a  thousand  twinkling  lights,  which  every 

eye  arrest, 
Life  renewing,  joy  and  laughter,  when  the  sun  sinks 

in  the  west. 


96  The  Caliph's  Secret 

Then  indeed,  the  city  wakens, — glowing  lights  on 

every  side, 
Music  sounding  through  half-open  doors  that  smiling 

faces  hide. 

Many-sided  in  its  pleasure,  offering,  in  mimic  scene, 
History,  romance,  or  music, — or  a  melodrama  keen, — 
Pictures,  books,  whatever  wanted, — there  it  is,  for  all 

to  find. 
Yet  alas!  some  sad-eyed  mortals  show,  in  truth,  this 

world  unkind. 
Sickness,  sorrow,  never  banished,  penury, — all  human 

woe 
Seems  a  mockery  of  madness,  in  this  world  with  stars 

aglow! 

Life-scenes,  acted  gaily, — sadly, — 
Sorrow,  laughter,  weakness,  might, — 

Through  space  plunging  daily,  madly, 
In  the  rushing  whirl  of  LIGHT! 


UNSTABLE  AS  WATER. 

WITH  booming  thunder-roar,  the  mighty  stream 
Of  great  Niagara  goes  rolling  down, 
And  plunging  into  space;  while,  like  a  dream, 

Arise,  in  spray,  those  figures  overthrown 
Or  sacrificed  to  that  Great  Spirit's  call, 
Who  never  ceases  to  demand  his  toll 
Of  death,  since  first  the  sunlight,  over  all 
The  waters  shone,  and  marked  the  sparkling  goal. 

From  far  away  the  never-ending  flow 

Goes  on  and  on,  fed  by  exhaustless  source; 
Relentless  tragic  energy  to  show 

In  shifting  water,  as  it  bends  its  course, 
And  wears  away  the  rocks,  and  gives  its  power 

To  benefit  mankind, — yet  in  return, 
Demands  its  victims,  as  the  rightful  dower 

Of  instability,  which  none  may  spurn. 

A  fascination  lingers  o'er  the  spot, — 

To  young  and  old  it  makes  its  strange  appeal. 
And  many  laugh, — and  say  what  they  would  not, — 

And  many  dare  not  voice  the  thoughts  they  feel. 
A  smiling,  mocking,  brooding  mystery, 

A  strong  temptation,  there  to  drown  all  care 
Forever,  in  the  waves'  immensity. 

Unstable!  shifting!  aye,  but  always  there  I 


97 


KIENUKA. 

THE    PEACE    ROCK. 

IN  silent  majesty  supreme, 
Far  back  upon  the  inner  shore 
Of  great  Niagara's  mighty  stream, 
The  Peace  Rock  stands  forevermore. 

A  refuge  from  pursuing  foes, 

When  Indian  warfare  vexed  the  land; 

While  often  this  the  Indians  chose 

For  meeting-place,  when  peace  was  planned. 

Behold  them  seated  on  the  ground, 
With  smoking  pipes,  in  council  grave, 

Discussing  peace-conditions  sound 
Which  might  each  tribe's  esteem  best  save. 

Children  of  Nature  though  they  were, 
They  recognized  the  mighty  force 

Upon  a  nation's  character 
Of  times  of  peaceful  intercourse. 

And  shall  not  we  of  later  days, 

Enlightened,  civilized,  and  free, 
Life  up  our  hearts  in  prayer  and  praise 

That  universal  peace  may  be? 
98 


ItienuKa  99 

Hail  Kienuka,  Rock  of  Peace! 

Forever  stand,  while  time  shall  roll, 
A  symbol  that  all  wars  must  cease, 

And  peace  must  reign,  from  pole  to  pole. 


IN  THE  FOREST  OF  ARDEN. 

FROM  out  of  the  heart  of  the  forest, 
Orlando  and  Rosalind  gay, 
And  Celia  and  Oliver  coming, 
Go  forth  on  their  wandering  way. 

From  out  of  the  heart  of  the  forest 

And  into  the  dwellings  of  men, 
These  people,  of  Nature's  great  teachings, 

Can  ne'er  be  forgetful  again. 

From  out  of  the  heart  of  the  forest 
Comes  all  that  is  best  upon  earth. 

To  courage,  devotion,  and  duty, 

The  thoughts  of  the  forest  give  birth. 

From  out  of  the  heart  of  the  forest 

Hearts  of  oak,  England's  heroes  are  made. 

As  long  as  a  cudgel  or  yew-bow 
Is  there,  England  ne'er  is  afraid. 

From  out  of  the  heart  of  the  forest 

Come  freedom  of  thought  and  of  speech; 

For  in  Sherwood  bold  Robin  Hood  hunted, 
Beyond  where  all  tyrants  could  reach. 


In  the  Forest  of  Arden  101 

From  out  of  the  heart  of  the  forest 
Whose  roots  go  deep  into  the  soil, 

The  love  of  the  land  can  be  counted 
To  sweeten  all  labor  and  toil. 

From  out  of  the  heart  of  the  forest, 
That  spirit  of  strength  and  of  power 

Forever  will  hover  o'er  England, 
Protecting  in  ev'ry  dark  hour! 


DISCOVERIES. 

A  WHOLE  new  world,  a  continent 
Of  wondrous  breadth  and  liberty 
Was  found,  by  purpose  diligent, 

When  once  Columbus  crossed  the  sea. 

How  oft,  by  circumstances  blind, 
Our  paths  in  life  are  blocked,  unless 

We  persevere;  when  lo!  we  find 
A  whole  new  world  of  happiness. 


WATER  LILIES. 

UP  from  the  dirt  and  the  slime  of  the  river, 
Rising  aloft,  with  the  strength  of  life's  powers, 
All  of  earth's  dross  washed  away,  to  deliver 

White  and  pure-hearted,  these  spirit-like  flowers. 


103 


THE   MAGIC  ART. 

TO  catch  the  passing  shadow's  form, 
Imprison  fleeting  light, 
Make  fast  forever  gliding  streams, 

Or  snow-capped  mountains'  height, 
The  waving  trees,  the  valleys  fair, 

The  grazing  flocks  and  herds, 
A  garden  full  of  nodding  flowers, 

A  flight  of  bees  or  birds, 
The  deeds,  and  ways,  and  haunts  of  men, 

In  battle,  home,  or  mart, 
To  paint  the  world's  great  history, 

This  is  the  magic  art. 


104 


THE  WINGS  O'  THE  WIND. 

RAY-TIPPED,  outspread,  upturned,  and  vastly 

wide, 
Well  filled  with  mighty   force,   and   strength,   and 

power 

To  rise,  and  float  upon  that  borderland 
Where  none  may  go,  and  e'er  again  return. 
Upon  the  pinions  of  the  wind  outborne, 
Old  hopes,  old  loves,  old  hates,  and  fears,  and  woes 
Are  wafted  to  the  limbo  of  the  past, 
Wherein  they  undergo  a  subtle  change. 
For,  fanned  by  breezes,  all  the  dross  of  life 
Is  blown  away;  naught  but  the  gold  remains. 
If  one  could  only  take  the  wings  o'  the  wind 
And  flee  away  to  farthest  realms  of  space, 
Perchance  therein  one  might  find  peace  and  rest. 
But  then,  alas!  one  never  could  return. 


105 


MOONBEAMS. 

SWING  low,  swing  low,  O  silver  moon, 
And  on  thy  brilliant  beams 
Waft  all  who  seek  thy  magic  boon 
Out  to  the  world  of  dreams. 

Where  all  the  happy  thoughts  come  true, 

And  all  good  wishes  shine, 
Like  stars  within  the  ether  blue, 

To  flash  the  mystic  sign, — 

The  ray  of  light,  the  silver  cord, 

Sent  out  upon  the  air, 
The  wave  of  thought, — no  spoken  word,- 

But  love,  beyond  compare. 

The  love  that  bridges  space  and  time, 

And  banishes  all  fear, — 
That  lifts  the  world  to  heights  sublime, 

And  brings  our  loved  ones  near. 

And  so,  swing  low,  O  silver  moon, 

For  in  thy  shining  gleams 
My  love  and  I  meet  oft  and  soon, 

Out  in  thy  world  of  dreams. 


106 


ARIADNE  AT  NAXOS. 

NEVER  again  will  the  soft  breezes  murmur, 
Telling  our  secrets  to  streamlets  that  run. 
Never  again  will  the  winds,  growing  firmer, 

Carry  our  words  to  the  far  setting  sun. 
Never  again  will  love's  strongest  affirmer 

Conquer  the  spirit  that  Theseus  has  won. 
Land  of  my  fathers  I  left  at  his  bidding, 

Journeying  here,  to  this  fair  sunny  isle, 
All  of  life's  worries  my  blissful  heart  ridding, 

Happy  to  live  in  the  joy  of  his  smile. 

Theseus  is  gone  now;  once  more  as  a  ranger 

Wanders  he  over  the  ocean  so  blue, 
Leaving  me  lonely,  a  pitiful  stranger, 

Though  by  my  aid  he  the  Minotaur  slew. 
Yet  am  I  glad  that  I  helped  him  in  danger, 

Thankful  I  gave  him  the  wonderful  clue. 
This  is  my  solace;  though  love  has  departed, 

Ne'er  can  the  help  that  I  gave  be  denied; 
So  my  affection,  though  slighted  and  thwarted, 

Follows,  with  magical  aid,  by  his  side. 


107 


ASTARTE. 

ASTARTE  crescent-crowned,  and  cognizant 
Of  all  the  ills  that  hate  and  love  can  bring, 
Looks  down  unheeding,  hard  as  adamant, 
Upon  the  passions  of  a  serf  or  king. 

The  world  rolls  on,  immeshed  in  webs  of  Time, 
And  life  and  death  continue  as  they  came. 

Astarte  gazes  at  the  endless  mime, 

The  play  of  Fate,  the  old  old  tricks  and  game. 

She  gazes,  and  within  her  flashing  eyes 
Are  mirrored  all  the  evils  that  she  sees. 

The  trickster  has  for  her  no  deep  disguise, 
The  moralist  no  chance  for  hope  or  ease. 

She  sees  the  evil, — nevermore  the  good. 

This  was  her  punishment,  when  Light  was  born 
Into  the  world,  with  hope  for  all  that  would 

Renounce  their  errors,  with  true  heart-felt  scorn. 

Ah,  what  a  fate!  ne'er  good  in  man  to  know, 

But  always  evil,  even  in  his  sleep! 
Some  pity  for  Astarte  we  should  show; 

She  must  be  dead  at  heart,  else  would  she  weep. 


108 


THROUGH  FOREST  AISLES. 

THROUGH  forest  aisles  the  whisper  rings 
Low,  low,  low, 
And  birds  and  beasts  and  creeping  things 

Make  answer  in  accents  slow, — 
The  call  of  Earth  to  her  children  dear 
That  happy  spring-time  is  drawing  near, 
With  promise  sweet  for  the  coming  year, 
Through  fair  and  fragrant  forest  aisles. 

Through  forest  aisles  green  leafy  swings 

Grow,  grow,  grow. 
Warm  wind  of  summer  softly  sings 

To  blossoms  that  brightly  glow. 
The  birds  pour  forth  their  melodious  cheer, 
In  throbbing  notes  so  sweet  and  clear, 
And  love  is  whispered  in  every  ear, 
Through  fair  and  fragrant  forest  aisles. 

Through  forest  aisles  the  sylvan  springs 

Flow,  flow,  flow,     . 
And  kiss  the  leaves  that  autumn  flings 

Swift  down  to  the  ground  below. 
Some  flaming  red,  some  brown  and  sere, 
They  rustle  into  the  waiting  mere, 
With  wistful  whisper  for  Earth  to  hear, 
Through  fair  and  fragrant  forest  aisles. 
109 


no  TKe  CalipH's  Secret 

Through  forest  aisles  sharp,  icy  stings 

Blow,  blow,  blow, 
And  blasts  that  ride  on  wintry  wings 

With  feathers  of  fleecy  snow. 
A  soft  white  mantle  begins  to  appear; 
It  gently  covers  the  brown  Earth  drear, 
And  Life  sleeps  snugly,  with  ne'er  a  fear, 
Through  fair  and  fragrant  forest  aisles. 

Through  forest  aisles  the  winds  of  Life 

Blow,  blow,  blow, 
With  strange,  mysterious  forces  rife, 

And  secrets  of  long  ago. 
Primeval  power  and  passions  sweep 
Through  woodland  ways,  o'er  hillsides  steep, 
While  birds  sing  budding  flowers  to  sleep, 
Through  fair  and  fragrant  forest  aisles. 

Through  forest  aisles  the  fires  of  strife 

Glow,  glow,  glow, 
Where  Druids'  sacrificial  knife 

Culled  magical  mistletoe. 
The  fauns,  and  nymphs,  and  dryads  peep 
From  trees  and  brooks  that  their  hidings  keep ; 
But  branches  soar  toward  the  blue  sky  deep, 
Through  fair  and  fragrant  forest  aisles. 


THE  JOSTLING  CROWD. 

IT  is  easy  enough  to  be  good 
All  alone,  in  a  quiet  place, 
Where  no  clamor  comes  from  the  outer  world, 
No  hurrying  footsteps  pace. 

Where  the  soul  may  rest  in  peace, 

And  contemplate  Sin  and  Woe 
As  strangers,  far  beyond  the  pale 

Where  guarded  footsteps  go. 

But  by  and  by  the  World, 

And  even  our  loved  ones,  too, 
Will  enter  within  that  safe  abode, 

A  jostling,  noisy  crew. 

They  laugh,  and  chatter,  and  shout, 
They  grumble,  and  praise,  and  smile, 

They  rustle  and  bustle  within  the  place, 
And  its  peace  their  words  defile. 

Yet  we  can  not  turn  them  out; 

We  would  not,  if  we  could, — 
For  many  we  like,  and  some  we  love 

With  the  strength  of  our  best  heart's  blood. 


112  The  Caliph's  Secret 

Oh,  it's  easy  enough  to  be  good 

All  alone;  but  a  harder  way 
When  the  World  and  one's  loved  ones  are  jostling  close 

One's  elbow,  day  by  day. 


AS  SHIPS  THAT  PASS  IN  THE  NIGHT. 

AS  ships  that  pass  in  the  night, 
Comes  the  call  from  out  of  the  deep, 
With  the  rush  of  billows  white, 
And  the  swirling  waters'  sweep. 

With  a  call  of  rest  and  peace 
To  all  weary  and  laden  souls; 

From  the  burdens  of  life  release, 
And  calm  on  the  farther  shoals. 

With  a  message  of  light,  and  life, 
And  knowledge  past  human  ken, 

Beyond  the  regions  of  strife, 
Beyond  the  haunts  of  men. 

In  touch  with  the  Universe  vast, 

Alive  with  a  sense  of  power, 
Far-reaching  as  thought  out-cast 

To  the  realm  of  Eternity's  hour. 

So  the  favored  souls  shall  alight 
On  the  farther  shore  of  Sleep ; 

As  ships  that  pass  in  the  night, 
With  a  call  from  out  of  the  deep. 


113 


A  WOODLAND  PATH. 

A  PLEASANT  path  through  woodland  ways, 
i\     And  leading  on  and  on, — 
With  dreams  of  hope,  and  joyous  rays 
Of  sunlight,  glinting  through  the  maze, 
To  shine  our  lives  upon. 


114 


THE  LAUREL  WREATH. 

THE  laurel  wreath  Apollo  loved, 
And  all  the  Muses  nine. 
On  Mount  Parnassus  Friendship  roved, 

And  gathered  bays,  to  twine 
For  happy  mortals,  thus  approved, 
The  laurel  wreath  divine. 


Ballades,  Rondeaux,  Etc. 


THE  SOUL  OF  THE  EAST. 
(Ballade.) 

SOFT  breezes  blow  over  the  land, 
Perfuming  the  shore  and  the  lea, 
And  the  Orient,  balmy  and  bland, 

Throws  a  charm  which  is  gladsome  and  free 
Over  all,  of  whatever  degree, 

Who  inhale  her  sweet  spices  and  nard; 
Yet  none  can  her  future  foresee, 
For  the  soul  of  the  East  is  on  guard. 


To  strangers  a  welcoming  hand 

Or  a  warily  forced  bended  knee, — 
Yet  the  Orient  ever  shall  stand 

The  home  of  a  vast  mystery, 
With  provoking,  elusive  decree 

That  the  roads  to  her  secrets  are  barred, — 
And  she  mocks  at  the  scientists'  plea, 

For  the  soul  of  the  East  is  on  guard. 
119 


120  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

Though  the  West,  to  its  uttermost  strand, 

Was  explored  in  a  brief  century, 
Though  the  North  and  the  South,  at  command, 

Have  given  their  secrets  in  fee, 
The  Orient's  grave  lethargy 

Holds  her  lands;  while  her  skies  brightly  starred 
Keep  their  magical,  strange  prophecy, 

For  the  soul  of  the  East  is  on  guard. 

Envoy. 

Soldier,  diplomat,  and  devotee, 

Or  explorer,  the  East  is  locked  hard; 

And  the  mighty  old  Sphinx  holds  the  key, 
For  the  soul  of  the  East  is  on  guard. 


A  BALLADE  OF  SUNSET. 

OH,  fair  is  the  world  in  the  light  of  the  morn, 
And  bright  are  the  clouds  in  the  far  eastern  sky, 
When  the  sun  is  just  rising,  the  earth  to  adorn, 

And  the  shadows  of  night  are  beginning  to  fly. 
Fair  the  brightness  of  noon,  when  the  sun  is  on  high, 

And  a  riot  of  light  shines  o'er  hamlet  and  hall, — 
But  the  eve  brings  new  glories  of  earth  to  the  eye, 
For  the  colors  of  sunset  are  fairest  of  all. 


With  the  bursting  of  buds  on  the  willow  and  thorn 

Comes  the  spring,  with  its  snowdrops  and  violets  shy. 
The  summer  brings  glory  of  yellowing  corn, 

A  wealth  of  bright  bloom, — fields  of  wheat,  and  of 

rye. 
With  colors  that  glow,  and  our  hearts  satisfy, 

Come  the  gay  brilliant  leaves  of  the  bright  early 

fall, 
Like  the  close  of  the  day,  as  the  shadows  draw  nigh, 

For  the  colors  of  sunset  are  fairest  of  all. 


122  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

Fair  indeed  seems  the  world,  when  at  first  we  are 
born, 

And  all  of  its  glories  we  learn  to  descry, 
Ere  the  noontide  of  life  has  yet  taught  us  to  scorn 

The  dross  that  can  glitter,  but  cannot  supply 
That  comfort  of  soul  upon  which  we  rely, 

In  the  autumn  of  life,  ere  the  last  final  call 
Shows  the  brightness  that  silences  every  sigh, 

For  the  colors  of  sunset  are  fairest  of  all. 

Envoy. 

The  hope  of  the  glories  that  all  else  outvie 

Shows  forth,  in  that  promise  to  great  and  to  small, 

That  the  Sun  of  To-morrow  shall  shine  by  and  by, 
For  the  colors  of  sunset  are  fairest  of  all. 


THE   VANISHING   RACE. 
(Ballade.) 

THROUGH  forests  of  hemlock  and  pine, 
Beside  the  swift  waters  that  flow 
Where  the  crests  of  the  mountains  decline 

To  the  fair  sunny  valleys  below, 
The  winds  sing  a  song  as  they  blow, 
And  sadness  it  leaves  in  its  trace, 
For  it  tells,  in  its  cadences  slow, 
The  charm  of  a  vanishing  race. 


Here  the  Red  Men,  content  with  the  shine 

Of  the  sun,  or  the  ice  and  the  snow, 
Considering  all  things  benign, 

Whatever  great  Nature  might  show, 
Lived  at  one  with  the  forces  that  go 

Wheeling  through  the  vast  orbits  of  space, 
And  they  sought  nothing  further  to  know, — 

The  charm  of  a  vanishing  race. 
123 


124  The  Caliph's  Secret 

The  passions  primeval  design 

No  quarter  to  friend  or  to  foe. 
Love  and  hate,  pride  and  fury  combine, 

In  the  justice  of  arrow  and  bow. 
Greater  strength  shall  great  strength  overthrow,- 

By  this  rule  were  they  forced  to  give  place; 
Yet  the  Red  Men  can  never  outgrow 

The  charm  of  a  vanishing  race. 

Envoy. 

O  Civilization,  bestow 

On  these  children  of  Nature  thy  grace; 
But  leave  them,  for  weal  or  for  woe, 

The  charm  of  a  vanishing  race. 


THE  PRIZE. 
(Ballade.) 

OH,  blithely  run  school-days, 
When,  lessons  duly  conned, 
We  earn  our  meed  of  praise, 

Esteem  to  correspond, 
And  honors,  gravely  donned 

In  graduation's  strife. 
Indeed,  we  felt  we  owned 
The  greatest  prize  of  life. 


As  years  roll  on,  we  raise 

Another  test;  condoned 
Our  youthful  idols  blaze 

And  fall,  perhaps  are  stoned; 
And  we  in  turn  grow  fond 

Of  worldly  honors,  rife 
Where  wealth  is  high  enthroned 

The  greatest  prize  of  life. 
"5 


126  The  Caliph's  Secret 

Anon,  in  easy  ways, 

We  play  the  vagabond, — 
Our  fancy  lightly  strays 

O'er  field,  and  hill,  and  pond, 
And  we  would  fain  abscond 

With  Pan,  whose  reed  or  fife 
Proclaims  to  Rosamond 

The  greatest  prize  of  life. 

Envoy. 

The  Fates,  with  magic  wand, 
Rule  man,  and  maid,  and  wife, 

And  give,  here,  and  Beyond, 
The  greatest  prize  of — Life. 


BALLADE  OF  MR.  PICKWICK. 

IN  tights  and  gaiters,  grand, 
With  kindly  heart,  and  true, 
He  stands  with  outstretched  hand, 

To  gladly  welcome  you, 
And  show  you,  looking  through 

His  spectacles,  that  scan 
The  world  with  friendly  view, 
An  old-time  gentleman. 


What  though  he  sometimes  stand 

A  trifling  bit  askew, 
And  lustily  demand 

A  strong  and  heady  brew? 
Or  eke  the  same  eschew? 

He  shows  us  that  he  can. 
In  all  that  merry  crew, 

An  old-time  gentleman. 
127 


128  The  Caliph's  Secret 

With  manner  firmly  bland, 

E'en  when  defeated,  too, 
He  would  not  lightly  brand 

A  lady,  though  she  sue 
Unwelcomely, — bedew 

With  tears  her  visage  wan, 
She  still  may  trust  anew 

An  old-time  gentleman. 

Envoy. 

Beloved  by  not  a  few, 
Since  first  his  race  began; 

Herein  we  find  the  clue, — 
An  old-time  gentleman. 


BALLADE  OF  RAIN. 

WITH  patter  soft  and  still, 
The  rain  falls,  day  by  day; 
The  street  becomes  a  rill, 

The  dust  a  mound  of  clay. 
The  children,  at  their  play, 

Are  stopped,  in  field  and  lane ; 
They  doubtless  would  gainsay 
The  kindly  gift  of  rain. 


The  mists  across  the  hill 

Show  ne'er  a  sunny  ray. 
The  waters  of  the  mill 

Flow  like  a  torrent  gay. 
The  wind,  with  gentle  spray, 

Wipes  off  the  earth  all  stain, 
And  clears  the  dirt  away, — 

The  kindly  gift  of  rain. 
129 


130  The  Caliph's  Secret 

With  fresh  new  strength  we  thrill; 

O'er  tasks  we  ne'er  delay. 
All  duties  we  fulfill 

With  vigor,  as  we  may; 
And,  eager  for  the  fray, 

We  plan  a  week's  campaign 
At  something, — 'neath  the  sway, 

The  kindly  gift,  of  rain. 

Envoy. 

Not  sun  alone  makes  hay; 

That  proverb  is  quite  vain. 
Both  time  and  strength  repay 

The  kindly  gift  of  rain. 


THE  TURNING  POINT. 
(Ballade.) 

WITH  each  New  Year,  and  all  it  brings 
Of  opportunity  to  you 
And  me,  the  many  thousand  things 

We  plan  and  hope  some  day  to  do, 
When  other  things  we  have  in  view 
Are  finished  first,  before  we  climb 
The  heights  beyond,  we  pass  anew 
The  fateful  turning  point  of  Time. 


How  like  the  polar-star  that  swings 

The  needle  of  the  compass  true. 
Our  thoughts,  though  borne  on  lightest  wings, 

Turn  back,  to  scan  each  year  passed  through, 
And  face  the  coming  future,  too, 

When  sounds  the  merry  New  Year  chime, 
A  tocsin,  and  a  gay  halloo, 

The  fateful  turning  point  of  Time. 


132  The  Caliph's  Secret 

And,  in  our  ears,  forever  rings 

The  promise  in  the  winds  that  blew 
O'er  Eden,  in  those  balmy  springs, 

Ere  yet  the  cords  of  fortune  drew 
Around  its  habitants,  and  slew 

Their  early  destiny  sublime; 
For  still  our  strongest  hopes  imbue 

The  fateful  turning  point  of  Time. 

Envoy. 

We  feel  our  chances  are  not  few, — 

We  feel  the  strength  of  youthful  prime. 

We  know  the  future  holds  the  clew, — 
The  fateful  turning  point  of  Time. 


THE   MAGIC  FLUTE. 
(Ballade.) 

HOW  it  takes  us  back  to  the  days  of  yore. 
How  it  trips  along,  in  its  old-world  way, 
With  the  sound  of  spinets,  heard  long  before 

Were  evolved  the  pianos,  in  use  to-day, 
Many  gentle  dames  could  a  spinet  play, 

Together  with  harp,  or  viol,  or  lute, 
In  chamber  music,  now  grave,  now  gay, — 
All,  all  were  charmed  by  the  Magic  Flute. 


See  them  following  closely  the  wondrous  score, 

And  nodding  their  heads,  as  who  should  say: 
"Here's  the  Master  of  music  we  all  adore. 

He  can  move  the  world  with  his  melodies'  sway, 
He's  a  courtier,  too,  in  his  fine  array, 

Who  knows  how  to  bow,  with  a  grace  minute, 
Or  to  win  one's  heart  with  a  roundelay. " 

All,  all  were  charmed  by  the  Magic  Flute. 


134  The  Caliph's  Secret 

For  back  of  the  rhythm,  sounds  o'er  and  o'er 

The  music  the  reeds  of  Pan  convey; 
And  the  wisdom  of  purely  a  pagan  lore 

Strikes  the  heart  of  man  with  a  mad  dismay; 
Yet  its  rushing  force  mankind  will  obey, 

Till  the  end  of  time  is  past  dispute. 
In  vain  did  the  nymphs  and  the  dryads  stray, — 

All,  all  were  charmed  by  the  Magic  Flute. 

Envoy. 

Prince  Mozart,  your  spell  o'er  us  all  shall  stay, 
And  never  your  melodies  shall  be  mute. 

Most  clearly  can  you  the  past  portray, — 
All,  all  were  charmed  by  the  Magic  Flute. 


THE  MUSIC  OF  THE  HEART'S  REFRAIN. 
(Ballade.) 

WHEN  first  Apollo  struck  the  lyre, 
Or  Pan  upon  the  reeds  piped  clear, 
The  fauns  and  dryads  to  inspire 

With  joy  of  life,  or  wholesome  fear 
Of  any  danger  drawing  near, 

Through  mountain,  forest,  stream,  and  plain, 
Was  echoed  to  the  listening  ear 
The  music  of  the  heart's  refrain. 


The  birds  took  up  the  theme.     Their  choir 

Gives  melody  for  all  to  hear. 
Throughout  the  universe  entire, 

The  stars  make  music  in  their  sphere. 
The  winds  all  whistle,  as  they  veer 

Around,  about,  and  back  again, 
And  voice  Earth's  secrets  through  the  year, 

The  music  of  the  heart's  refrain. 
J35 


136  The  Caliph's  Secret 

The  soul  of  life,  the  heart's  desire, 

Has  sounded  ever,  with  its  cheer, 
Through  Druid's  sacrificial  fire, 

Or  War's  demand  of  all  most  dear. 
To  soldier,  sailor,  pioneer, 

Across  the  land,  or  on  the  main, 
Sounds  ever  still,  through  each  career, 

The  music  of  the  heart's  refrain. 

Envoy. 

Or  grave,  or  gay,  with  smile,  or  tear, 
Whate'er  strikes  deep  emotions'  strain, 

To  this  we  bow,  in  love  sincere, 
The  music  of  the  heart's  refrain. 


FOLK  SONGS. 
(Ballade.) 

rE  reeds  and  rushes  softly  stirred, 
And  whispered,  in  the  evening  breeze, 
The  fateful  secrets  they  had  heard 

From  forest,  stream,  and  waving  trees, 
From  butterflies,  and  droning  bees, 

And  all  that  in  the  world  belongs, — 
Great  Pan  then  made  his  pipes  of  these, 
To  sing  a  mighty  nation's  songs. 


The  reeds,  with  tender  withes  to  gird, 

Forthwith  a  cradle  formed,  to  please 
The  coming  race,  of  man,  or  bird. 

A  thousand  joyous  jubilees 
Rang  out,  in  all  the  many  keys 

Of  mother-love,  in  untold  tongues, 
And  both  of  high  and  low  degrees, 

To  sing  a  mighty  nation's  songs. 
137 


138  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

And  hymns  of  war  that  oft  occurred, 

Of  rites  that  pagan  gods  appease, 
Of  mediaeval  knights,  that  spurred 

To  follow  overlords'  decrees, — 
All  these,  in  lands  across  the  seas, 

Prom  ancient  times  to  modern  wrongs 
And  rights,  voice  life's  humanities, 

To  sing  a  mighty  nation's  songs. 

Envoy. 

America,  thy  melodies 

Shall  echo  over  countless  throngs. 
For  youth  is  thine; — in  world- wide  glees 

To  sing  a  mighty  nation's  songs. 


AN  AMULET. 
(Rondeau.) 

AN  amulet  from  o'er  the  sea, 
A  charm,  with  power  of  strong  degree, 
To  ward  off  ills  of  any  kind, 
Of  heart  or  body,  soul  or  mind, 
Was  once,  forsooth,  bestowed  on  me. 

Thereon  were  mystic  figures  three, 
Whose  meaning,  doubtless,  gave  a  key 
To  witching  spells,  that  hid  behind 
An  amulet. 

At  least,  believing,  so  said  she 

Who  gave  it, — and  whose  least  decree 

I  follow,  with  reliance  blind. 

O  charm !  pray  work, — to  make  her  find 
My  love,  throughout  all  time,  to  be 
An  amulet. 


139 


THE  SHIP  OF  STARS. 
(Rondeau.) 

THE  ship  of  stars  the  world  to  win 
Sails  out,  when  wishes  first  begin, 
Through  shining  skies  of  azure  hue, 
Where  hopes  abound,  and  dreams  come  true, 
And  nothing  needs  our  hearts  chagrin. 

A  thousand  brilliant  fancies  spin, 
Like  phosphorescent  wave-tips  thin, 
While  cloudy  billows  bright  bedew 
The  ship  of  stars. 

Sweet  sounds,  like  harp  or  violin, 
To  music  of  the  spheres  akin, 

Accompany  the  favored  few 

That  reach  the  empyrean  blue, 
And  sail  to  happy  havens  in 

The  ship  of  stars. 


140 


YOUTH. 
(Rondeau.) 

YOUTH  dances  by,  on  fleetest  wings, 
While  merrily  he  laughs  and  sings, 
With  ne'er  a  thought  or  dream  of  care. 
The  sun  is  shining  ev'rywhere, 
And  all  the  world  with  music  rings. 

The  robin  on  the  tree- top  swings, 
And  gaily  forth  he  lightly  flings 
His  song  upon  the  waiting  air, — 
Youth  dances  by. 

More  gay  than  all  the  birds,  Youth  brings 
A  fund  of  strength  that  e'er  upsprings, 
And  makes  him  quick  to  do  and  dare, 
And  boldly  think,  and  bravely  fare. 
He  does  not  envy  courts  or  kings, — 
Youth  dances  by. 


141 


BECAUSE  OF  YOU. 
(Rondeau.) 

BECAUSE  of  you,  with  smiles  to  greet 
Mine  eyes  each  day,  your  heart  replete 
With  love  that  does  not  change  or  die, 
No  matter  how  the  years  may  fly, 
Fate  gives  me  more  than  what  is  meet. 

And  yet,  one  ne'er  can  hope  to  cheat 
Old  Time,  whose  ever  swifter  feet 
Bring  changes  one  would  fain  defy, 
Because  of  you. 

Say  not  that  love  is  obsolete. 

In  pleasure's  paths,  or  home-retreat, 

And  whether  dark  or  fair  the  sky, 

Each  on  the  other  can  rely, — 
And  so,  to  me  all  life  is  sweet, 
Because  of  you. 


142 


'NEATH  MUSIC'S  SPELL. 
(Rondeau.) 

'  \  |  EATH  music's  spell  a  mystic  charm 
1  N     Enwraps  the  world,  so  vivid,  warm, 
And  soul-compelling,  in  its  sway, 
It  sweeps  all  thought  of  care  away, 

Or  any  breath  of  fear  or  harm. 

A  host  of  vagrant  fancies  swarm 
In  rosy  clouds,  without  alarm 
To  spend  a  merry  hour  in  play, 
'Neath  music's  spell. 

And  yet  it  swings,  with  mighty  arm, 
The  chorus  of  a  field  or  farm. 

It  lisps  a  lover's  roundelay; 

It  stirs  the  world,  as  day  by  day, 

We  feel  the  same  old  haunting  charm, 

'Neath  music's  spell. 


THE  SILVER  LEAF. 
« (Rondeau.) 

'T'HE  silver  leaf  we  oft  discern, 
1       Far  lovelier  than  brake  or  fern, 

As,  shining  on  the  aspen  tree, 

It  quivers  in  the  breezes  free, 
And  glistens,  as  the  sun-rays  burn. 

Great  Hercules,  the  brave  and  stern, 
In  conquests  he  was  proud  to  earn, 
Wore  on  his  brow  of  victory 
The  silver  leaf. 

The  years  go  by;  we  live  and  learn; 

We  strive  and  struggle,  hope,  and  yearn. 
We  turn  the  leaves  of  time,  and  see 
That  faith  and  hope  and  love, — these  three 

Are  guiding  hands  that  bravely  turn 
The  silver  leaf. 


144 


TO  HIM  WHO  KNOWS. 
(Rondeau.) 

rhim  who  knows  the  touch  of  pain, 
With  all  the  sorrows  in  its  train, 
Comes  ever  loud  and  clear,  the  call 
To  aid  the  sufferers,  in  thrall, 
To  human  woe,  of  heart  or  brain. 

While  ev'ry  thought,  or  tiny  grain 
Of  sympathy,  to  help,  sustain, 
Or  comfort,  counts,  however  small, 
To  him  who  knows. 

Ah!  who  life's  riddles  can  explain? 

Yet  surely  would  each  mortal  gain, 
In  whatsoever  might  befall, 
If  kindness  were  the  rule  of  all. 

No  creature  ever  cried  in  vain 
To  Him  who  knows. 


"VIVE  L'EMPEREUR!"  , 
(Rondeau.) 

VIVE  L'EMPEREUR!"  rang  out  the  cry, 
While  sabres  flashed,  to  testify 
His  men's  devotion,  strong,  inbred; 
They  followed  wheresoe'er  he  led, 
With  valor  true  and  courage  high. 

Cold,  hungry,  ill,  they  asked  not  why; 
Content  on  battlefields  to  die, 
For  him  they  fought,  for  him  they  bled. 
"  Vive  1'Empereur ! " 

They  gave  a  love  none  might  deny, 
And  trust,  on  which  he  could  rely. 
Victorious, — then  vanquished, — dead, — 
His  spirit,  over  France  outspread, 
Still  shows  his  shadow  passing  by. 
"Vive  1'Empereur!" 


146 


WHEN  DIDO  DIED. 
(Rondeau.) 

WHEN  Dido  died,  and  later,  when 
She  passed  within  that  unknown  glen 
Awaiting  all, — at  her  command 
Her  blazing  pyre  illumed  the  land, 
And  left  a  lesson,  worth  our  ken. 

^Eneas  was  a  citizen 
Of  good  repute  as  any  ten 
That  could  be  found  on  Afric's  strand, 
When  Dido  died. 

Yet  he,  most  "pious"  of  all  men, 
Made  love, — then  sailed  away  again. 

The  text  is  plain,  O  maidens  bland; 

Ne'er  give  your  heart  without  your  hand, — 
For  men  are  fickle  now,  as  then, 
When  Dido  died. 


ENTHUSIASM. 
(Rondeau .) 

THE  fire  of  youth  which  brightly  burns 
In  early  days,  before  one  learns 
Discouragement,  or  care,  or  fear, 
With  other  ills  that  oft  appear, 
Is  life's  best  glow,  which  no  one  spurns. 

How  lightly  trouble  it  adjourns 
Or  brushes  by.     It  scarce  discerns 
The  clouds,  if  such  perchance  draw  near 
The  fire  of  youth. 

With  added  years,  one  sadly  earns 
A  knowledge  of  the  winding  turns 
Of  life.     Yet  if,  with  listening  ear 
One  hearkens  well,  one  still  can  hear 
The  bounding  pulse,  the  heart  that  yearns, 
The  fire  of  youth. 


148 


THE  COURT  ADJOURNS. 
(Rondeau.) 

THE  court  adjourns.    However  grave 
The  case,  it  must  its  merits  waive, 
Until  a  future  time  and  hour, 
And  then,  perchance  with  added  power, 
It  may  a  better  hearing  have. 

So  runs  the  law;  and  lovers  brave 
May  learn  a  lesson,  time  to  save, 
And  worries,  too,  that  tempers  sour; 
The  court  adjourns. 

If  from  Judge  Cupid  one  would  crave 
Indulgence,  one  should  never  rave 
At  Fate,  when  clouds  of  trouble  lower, 
Or  frowns  and  tears  come  in  a  shower; 
True  Love  can  wait — the  winning  knave,- 
The  court  adjourns. 


149 


RONDO  CAPRICCIOSO. 
(Rondeau.) 

THE  nymph  Caprice,  in  joyous  guise, 
Went  dancing  by,  to  exorcise 
The  stupid  spirit  of  Ennui 
Who,  o'er  the  earth,  had  made  decree 
That  nothing  should  the  world  surprise. 

Her  foe  she  smartly  would  chastise, — 
So,  further  still  to  tyrannize, 
She  made  him  sue,  on  bended  knee, 
The  nymph  Caprice. 

Then,  laughing  in  his  solemn  eyes, 
She  bade  him  go,  become  more  wise. 
He  borrowed  Music's  wings  to  flee, 
Then  boldly  seized  her,  nor  set  free 
Till  Time  should  well  immortalize 
The  nymph  Caprice. 


150 


FOR  LOVE  OP  JOY.    ' 

(Rondeau.) 

FOR  love  of  joy,  the  merry  way 
We  often  tread,  unthinking,  gay; 
Each  laughing  moment  fair  and  bright, 
And  far  too  rapid  in  its  flight 
For  all  we  need,  of  work,  or  play. 

And,  though  we  may  not  always  stay 
Amid  the  flow'ry  meads  of  May, 
We  greet  the  snow,  so  pure  and  white, 
For  love  of  joy. 

Naught  can  the  seasons'  course  delay, 
Or  Time's  swift  transit  e'er  gainsay. 
Yet  eyes  with  faith  and  hope  alight 
Will  find,  amidst  the  darkest  night, 
Sure  promise  of  the  coming  day, 
For  love  of  joy. 


MIDSUMMER  FAIRIES. 
(Rondeau.) 

MIDSUMMER  sprites  may  often  be 
By  mortals  known,  whose  eyes  can  see. 
The  passers-by  oft  look  this  way, 
Behold  these  merry  elves  at  play, 
And,  in  their  hearts,  they  envy  me. 

For  mine  are  these  dear  fairies  free, 
Throughout  the  summer's  jubilee. 
Right  joyous  is  each  merry  day, 
'Mid  summer  sprites. 

But  wintry  winds  bring  stern  decree 
To  bird,  and  squirrel,  flower,  and  tree; 

And  fairies  may  not  longer  stay. 

Yet,  with  the  summer's  first  warm  ray, 
O  come  again,  with  mirth  and  glee, 
Midsummer  sprites. 


152 


THISTLE-DOWN. 
(Rondeau.) 

BORNE  on  the  wings  of  destiny 
That  flutter  through  infinity, 
Behold,  a  bit  of  thistle-down! 
Who  knows  whence  lightly  it  was  blown? 
Through  tragedy,  or  comedy? 

With  comrades  of  inconstancy, 
While  striking  out  in  anarchy, 
Strong  forces  claimed  it  as  their  own, 
Borne  on  the  winds. 

A  symbol  of  life's  mystery, 

Now  floating  by,  in  symmetry. 
Sharp  thistles  fall,  and  overthrown, 
They  lose  their  power,  for  evil  shown. 

So  let  our  troubles  pass  us  by, 
Borne  on  the  winds. 


153 


CHRISTMAS  CANDLES. 
(Rondeau.) 


candles  burn,  each  one  a  jet 
Of  living,  shining  glory,  set 
Upon  the  fragrant  Christmas  tree, 
A  symbol  of  the  mirth  and  glee 
That  make  the  world  its  cares  forget. 

A  little  while,  the  toil  and  fret 
Of  life,  with  all  its  vain  regret, 
Consume  away,  as,  flaming  free, 
The  candles  burn. 

The  happy  hours  go  by,  —  and  yet, 
The  light  may  shine  for  all  then  met 

Within  its  Spirit's  kind  decree. 

Ah!  through  the  year,  o'er  land  and  sea, 
Filled  with  the  Christmas  fragrance,  let 
The  candles  burn  ! 


THE  KITE. 
(Rondeau.) 

ON  soaring  wings,  this  fragile  toy 
Delights  the  heart  of  ev'ry  boy 
Who  loves  to  watch  the  swallows  fly, 
And  follows  close,  with  knowing  eye, 
The  swirling  flights  that  they  enjoy. 

A  kite  was  once  made  to  convoy 
That  mighty  force  in  man's  employ; 
It  "seized  the  thunder  from  the  sky," 
On  soaring  wings. 

Perchance  some  day  one  might  decoy 

Still  other  forces,  to  destroy 

Or  bless.     In  realms  of  ether  high, 
Our  thoughts  reach  towards  Infinity. 

Could  one  but  rise,  past  earth's  annoy, 
On  soaring  wings! 


IN  PRIMROSE  PATHS. 

i 

(Rondeau.) 

IN  primrose  paths  our  feet  have  trod, 
Through  mazy  walks,  o'er  verdant  sod, 
'Mid  palaces  of  mighty  mien, 
Where  wondrous  portraits  smile  serene, — 
With  jewels  rare,  and  flowers  odd. 

Where  horses,  urged  by  bit  and  rod, 
Swift  flew,  as  if  with  lightning  shod, 
The  sun  shone  o'er  a  brilliant  scene, 
In  primrose  paths. 

Through  picture  galleries  to  plod 
Was  pleasant  task;  and  tantum  quod, 
The  evening  light,  with  dazzling  sheen, 
Threw  gayer  pictures  on  the  screen. 
In  truth,  Fate  led,  with  kindly  nod, 
In  primrose  paths. 


156 


IMPOSSIBILITIES. 
(Rondel.) 

WE  do  not  gather  berries  'neath  the  snow, 
Or  harvest-apples  in  the  early  spring. 
Why  then  expect  success  in  any  thing, 
Without  the  time  or  energy  to  grow? 

And  if  affection's  warmth  we  ne'er  bestow, 
How  can  we  look  for  friendship  answering? 

We  do  not  gather  berries  'neath  the  snow, 
Or  harvest-apples  in  the  early  spring. 

The  strongest  force  of  all,  above,  below, 
The  one  the  surest  happiness  to  bring, 
Is  just  to  persevere,  and  laugh,  and  sing, 
For  summer  comes,  though  wintry  winds  may  blow, 
We  do  not  gather  berries  'neath  the  snow. 


157 


OBSTACLES. 
(Rondel.) 

rO  dragons,  Space  and  Time, 
Are  keeping  us  apart. 
Dost  think  a  dragon's  heart 
Would  yield  to  lilting  rhyme? 

If  so,  I'd  quickly  climb 

Parnassus,  at  the  start. 
Two  dragons,  Space  and  Time, 

Are  keeping  us  apart. 

Yet  all  the  hours  that  chime 
Sing  songs  of  where  thou  art; 
While  stars  with  love-light  dart, 
To  drive  from  heights  sublime 
Two  Dragons,  Space  and  Time. 


158 


THE  LOVE  OF  YOUTH. 
(Roundel.) 

THE  love  of  youth  fore'er  remains 
Within  the  human  heart  forsooth, 
No  one  its  mighty  power  disdains, 
The  love  of  youth. 

And  sharper  than  a  serpent's  tooth 
The  thought  of  all  that  appertains 
To  coming  years, — with  age  uncouth. 

No  wonder  that  in  flowery  plains 
Men  sought  that  wondrous  Fount,  whose  truth 
Lies  in  our  minds,  our  hearts,  our  brains, 
The  love  of  youth. 


CARE  FREE. 
(Roundel.) 

QUITE  free  from  care,  young  children  roam  the 
fields, 

And  gather  berries  and  sweet  blossoms  fair, 
With  all  good  things  that  Mother  Nature  yields, — 
Quite  free  from  care. 

To  them  the  forces  of  the  earth  and  air 

Give  strength,  while  sunshine  ever  o'er  them  wields 

Its  growing  power,  in  which  all  youth  may  share. 

Ah !  still  that  same  great  force  that  freely  shields 

The  young,  would  save  us  from  life's  wear  and  tear, 
If  we  would  wander  oftener  afields, 
Quite  free  from  care. 


160 


ACROSS  THE  SEA  OF  DREAMS. 
(Triolet.) 

ACROSS  the  Sea  of  Dreams 
Your  voice  comes  sweet  and  low. 
Like  melody  it  seems, 
Across  the  Sea  of  Dreams. 
Day's  troubles  it  redeems 

With  happy  thoughts;  and  so 
Across  the  Sea  of  Dreams 

Your  voice  comes  sweet  and  low. 


161 


PERSEVERANCE. 
(Triolet.) 

WE  may  not  see  the  way 
For  all  we  wish  to  do, 
Though  if  we  dared  to  say: 
"We  may  not  see  the  way," 
Our  strength  would  falter, — nay, 

Push  on,  and  carry  through. 
We  may  not  see  the  way 
For  all  we  wish  to  do. 


163 


FRIENDS. 
(Triolet.) 

A  FRIEND!    What  is  a  friend? 
One  whose  affections  last? 
How  could  one  e'er  offend 
A  friend?    What  is  a  friend? 
The  trees  deep  roots  extend, — 

Spring  blossoms  soon  are  past. 
A  friend!    What  is  a  friend? 
One  whose  affections  last. 


163 


THE  MOST  BEAUTIFUL  ADVENTURE  OF  LIFE. 

(Sonnet.) 

ACROSS  the  sea  there  comes  a  ringing  call, 
A  rushing,  swirling  sound  in  earth  and  air, 
With  dreams  of  great  adventure,  past  compare, — 
While  rising,  like  a  vast,  o'erhanging  wall 
Of  cloud,  that  threatens  in  its  mighty  fall, 
Yet  sweeps  away  all  thought  of  earthly  care, 
The  sky  obscured  with  wondrous  visions  fair; 
Then  light-crowned  darkness  brooding  over  all. 

So  swings  the  soul  within  that  mystic  realm, 
Where  all  must  travel,  whether  soon  or  late. 

And  though,  with  joy  to  linger  yet  a  while, 

Thrice  happy  he,  who,  seeing  at  the  helm 
The  mighty  Truth,  can  calmly  death  await, 

And  enter  th'  Unknown  Country  with  a  smile. 


164 


EASTER. 

(Sonnet.) 

THE  shining  sun  dispels  the  wintry  gloom 
Of  Lenten  shadows,  while  the  keen  spring  blast 
Awakes  the  blossoms,  coming  forth  at  last, 
And  rising  from  their  heavy,  earth-bound  tomb, 
To  fill  the  world  with  fragrance  and  with  bloom. 
And  though  betimes  the  skies  are  overcast, 
Yet  are  our  souls  at  rest,  our  fears  all  past; 
There  doubt  and  dread  shall  nevermore  find  room. 

Some  rain  must  fall  to  wash  the  dross  away; 

Some  clouds  of  sorrow  to  each  one  must  come. 
And  yet  the  wondrous  promise  given  to  men 
Shines  forth  each  year,  a  star  of  brightest  ray, 

To  lighten  all  our  journey  troublesome, — 
Life,  life  in  fullest  form  shall  come  again. 


165 


FRIENDSHIP. 
(Sonnet.) 

WHEN  first  the  joys  of  friendship  are  revealed, 
And  one  can  in  the  thoughts  of  others  find 
One's  own  reflected  in  a  kindred  mind, 

New  vistas  open,  heretofore  concealed. 
In  flowing  words,  emotions  once  congealed 
Find  utterance;  like  rivers  left  behind 
And  racing  swift  to  reach  the  ocean  kind. 
Against  the  woes  of  life  one's  heart  is  steeled. 

With  friendship  true,  then  nevermore  a  foe 
Can  trouble  make,  or  sorrow  broadcast  fling ; 
For  nothing  sad  or  evil  can  draw  near, 
When  trust  and  love  protect  where'er  they  go. 
E'en  time  itself  will  added  pleasures  bring, 
For  friendship  dearer  grows  with  ev'ry  year. 


1 66 


THE  CORONATION  OF  MARIE  DE  MEDICIS. 
(Sestina.) 

IMPOSING  stately,  with  the  gorgeous  train 
1     Of  nobles  following  her  ev'ry  step, 
King  Henry's  consort  is  at  last  made  Queen, 
And  duly  crowned,  as  she  had  longed  to  be; 
Well  knowing  her  position  more  secure, 
No  matter  what  the  future  days  might  bring. 

Yet  little  did  she  think  what  these  would  bring, 
Or  all  the  sorrows  coming  in  their  train. 
To-day  she  walks  in  majesty  secure, 
Her  husband's  care  well  guarding  ev'ry  step, 
That  naught  might  mar  her  dignity,  or  be 
A  trouble  to  his  Medicean  Queen. 

So,  robed  in  splendor,  ev'ry  inch  a  Queen, 
She  passes  up  the  aisle,  as  if  to  bring 
Good  luck  to  France,  for  all  the  days  to  be; 
While  Henry  watches  all  the  mighty  train, 
The  gorgeous  jewels  sparkling  at  each  step, 
Himself  well  hidden,  in  his  nook  secure. 
167 


168  The  Caliph's  Secret 

Her  sceptre,  orb,  and  coronet  secure, 

The  trumpets  blare,  and  hail  her  France's  Queen. 

She  pauses  for  a  moment  on  the  step, 

And  motions  to  a  courtier,  that  he  bring 

Her  children  to  her  side, — so,  in  her  train, 

They  might  a  part  of  her  high  glory  be. 

Next  day,  with  tournament  and  dance,  to  be 
An  added  pleasure,  seemed  both  safe,  secure, 
And  certain  to  increase  that  mighty  train, 
Of  whom  were  many,  for  the  happy  Queen, — 
With  gifts  and  pageantry,  to  fitly  bring 
A  close  to  this,  her  most  momentous  step. 

Alas!  next  day  a  quickly  running  step 
Proclaimed  to  her  that  tragedy,  to  be 
Forever  fateful  to  the  land,  and  bring 
A  mighty  grief,  where  most  they  felt  secure. 
The  King,  assassinated,  left  his  Queen 
To  cope  alone  with  circumstances'  train. 

Alas !  once  more  her  train  must  calmly  step 
Behind  their  widowed  Queen,  and  seek  to  be 
A  help  secure, — her  son's  long  reign  to  bring! 


GALILEO  BEFORE  HIS  JUDGES. 
(Sestina.) 

HOW  little  could  his  words  the  Council  move! 
Foregone  conclusions  are  so  quickly  reached 
That  naught  which  he  might  say  in  self-defense 
Would  find  an  echo  in  his  judges'  minds; 
And  yet  his  theories  he  dared  to  state, — 
Beliefs  accepted  now,  by  all  the  world. 

Upon  him  were  the  eyes  of  all  his  world, 

To  see  what  next  in  turn  would  be  the  move 

To  silence  him,  the  so-called  foe  of  State 

And    Church, — this    dreamer,    whose    conclusions 

reached, 

Could  not  be  shaken,  though  the  little  minds 
Of  those  in  power  were  deaf  to  his  defense. 

They  gave  him  chance  to  speak  in  his  defense, 
In  truth;  but  yet,  the  movement  of  the  world, 
The  heavenly  bodies,  which  to  their,  dense  minds 
Around  the  Earth  alone  were  wont  to  move, 
Seemed  useless,  if  their  normal  functions  reached 
Above,  beyond  the  power  of  Church  and  State. 
169 


170  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

And  so,  for  Galileo  bold  to  state 

The  laws  of  gravitation,  in  defense 

Of  greater,  universal  laws  that  reached 

Far  out  in  ether,  and  from  world  to  world, 

Was  heresy ;  for  which  the  only  move 

To  make,  was  torture, — deed  of  cruel  minds. 

Awhile  quite  firm  he  stood,  and  in  the  minds 
Of  some  of  those  who  tried  him  for  the  State 
Arose  the  doubt  that  they  could  ever  move 
His  will;  yet,  be  it  said  in  his  defense, 
When  he  abjured  the  truth  before  the  world, 
The  utmost  limit  of  his  strength  was  reached. 

In  mortal  agony,  his  thoughts  outreached 
Beyond,  to  coming  years,  and  later  minds. 
And  so,  despised,  he  knelt  before  his  world, 
And,  in  a  shirt  of  hair,  in  piteous  state, 
Renounced  the  moving  sphere.     Yet  in  defense, 
And  'neath  his  breath,  he  said:  "Still,  it  does  move. 

O  hero,  by  whose  move  was  justly  reached 
The  truth,  in  thy  defense  a  thousand  minds 
Give  honor  now,  and  state,  o'er  all  the  world! 


CALLED  BACK. 
(Villanelle.) 

I  HEARD  a  flute  far  down  the  street,— 
It  sounded  like  the  pipes  of  Pan, 
Where  dreams  of  past  and  present  meet. 

And  with  its  music,  soft  and  sweet, 

It  bridged  of  life  a  wondrous  span, — 
I  heard  a  flute  far  down  the  street. 

While  time,  whose  passing  is  so  fleet, 

Rolled  backward,  as  it  sometimes  can, 
Where  dreams  of  past  and  present  meet. 

Again  I  saw  the  dear  retreat 

Where  first  our  tale  of  love  began. 
I  heard  a  flute  far  down  the  street. 

With  roses  twined,  an  arbor  neat, 

So  easy  was  it  then  to  plan, 
Where  dreams  of  past  and  present  meet. 

Alas!  our  visions  met  defeat! 
Youth  is  a  daring  artisan. 
I  heard  a  flute  far  down  the  street, 
Where  dreams  of  past  and  present  meet. 


171 


FATE. 

(Villanelle.) 

OF  course,  Fate  ever  rules  us  all, 
As  no  one  can,  in  truth,  dispute; 
Yet  by  ourselves  we  stand  or  fall. 

A  paradox,  perhaps  a  thrall 

Of  will,  this  statement  absolute, — 
Of  course,  Fate  ever  rules  us  all. 

It  sometimes  seems  a  darkened  pall 

Upon  the  deeds  we  prosecute, 
Yet  by  ourselves  we  stand  or  fall. 

Whate'er  we  do, — or  great,  or  small, 
Life's  tales  our  records  constitute. 
Of  course,  Fate  ever  rules  us  all.- 

Though  driven  up  against  a  wall 

Of  logic  we  can  not  confute, 
Yet  by  ourselves  we  stand  or  fall. 

Admit  the  past  beyond  recall, — 

Yet  ours,  to  will  each  act  minute. 
Of  course,  Fate  ever  rules  us  all, 
Yet  by  ourselves  we  stand  or  fall. 


172 


A  MALAY  LOVE  SONG. 
(Pantoum.) 

AS  calls  the  wind  unto  the  sea, 
With  murmurs  soft  and  whispers  low, 
So  comes  my  cry,  dear  love,  to  thee. 
Before  thy  feet  my  heart  I  throw. 

With  murmurs  soft  and  whispers  low, 
The  sea  sweeps  onward  to  the  shore. 

Before  thy  feet  my  heart  I  throw, — 
Ah!  smile  upon  me,  I  implore!       i 

The  sea  sweeps  onward  to  the  shore, — 

Its  mighty  billows  roll  along. 
Ah!  smile  upon  me,  I  implore! 

And  sing  to  me  the  sea's  sweet  song. 

Its  mighty  billows  roll  along 
In  music,  for  the  winds  to  hear, 

And  sing  to  me  the  sea's  sweet  song, — 
Ah!  then  I  fancy  thou  art  near. 

In  music  for  the  winds  to  hear 
The  voice  of  love  sounds  in  the  air, — 

Ah!  then  I  fancy  thou  art  near, — 
I  call  thee,  but  thou  art  not  there. 
173 


174  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

The  voice  of  love  sounds  in  the  air, — 
The  moon  breaks  from  the  passing  cloud. 

I  call  thee,  but  thou  art  not  there, — 
Again  I  call,  and  still  more  loud. 

The  moon  breaks  from  the  passing  cloud 
To  let  her  brightest  beams  shine  through. 

Again  I  call,  and  still  more  loud, 
In  accents  ringing,  strong,  and  true. 

To  let  her  brightest  beams  shine  through, 
Comes  Hope,  within  the  yearning  heart. 

In  accents  ringing,  strong,  and  true, 
I  call  thee,  wheresoe'er  thou  art. 

Comes  Hope,  within  the  yearning  heart. 

I  wait  thine  answer,  sweet  and  shy. 
I  call  thee,  wheresoe'er  thou  art, 

And  trust  my  love  to  win  reply. 

I  wait  thine  answer,  sweet  and  shy — 
So  comes  my  cry,  dear  love,  to  thee — 

And  trust  my  love  to  win  reply, 
As  calls  the  wind  unto  the  sea, 


IN  THE  SOUTH  SEA  ISLES. 
(Pantoum.) 

'T'HE  South  Sea  Isles,  with  flowers  perfumed, 
1       With  gentle  breezes  blowing  fair 
The  waving  palms,  with  branches  plumed, — 
Who  would  not  wish  to  linger  there? 

With  gentle  breezes  blowing  fair, 
While  ev'ry  view  is  sure  to  please, 

Who  would  not  wish  to  linger  there, 
Where  life  is  free,  and  filled  with  ease? 

While  ev'ry  view  is  sure  to  please, 

O'er  river,  mountain,  sea,  and  shore, — 

Where  life  is  free,  and  filled  with  ease, 
And  care  and  trouble  seem  no  more. 

O'er  river,  mountain,  sea,  and  shore, 
The  skies  bestow  a  wondrous  spell, 

And  care  and  trouble  seem  no  more 
In  these  enchanted  lands  to  dwell. 

The  skies  bestow  a  wondrous  spell 

From  universal  ether  brought. 
In  these  enchanted  lands  to  dwell, 

There  came  a  Master-Mind  of  thought. 
175 


176  TKe  Caliph's  Secret 

From  universal  ether  brought 
In  answer  to  great  Nature's  call, 

There  came  a  Master-Mind  of  thought, 
Who  gave  an  added  charm  to  all. 

In  answer  to  great  Nature's  call 
He  told  his  tales,  in  sheer  delight, — 

Who  gave  an  added  charm  to  all 
That  came  within  his  favored  sight. 

He  told  his  tales  in  sheer  delight. 

They  listened,  for  all  loved  the  man 
That  came  within  his  favored  sight. 

Alas !  his  life  was  but  a  span ! 

They  listened,  for  all  loved  the  man; 

He  made  unknowing  eyes  perceive. 
Alas !  his  life  was  but  a  span ! 

In  spirit,  never  will  he  leave. 

He  made  unknowing  eyes  perceive 

The  waving  palms,  with  branches  plumed. 

In  spirit,  never  will  he  leave 
The  South  Sea  Isles,  with  flowers  perfumed. 


1 


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